The Los Angeles Fire Department offers a case in Web 2.0 communications

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is using Twitter, blogs, RSS, widgets, Flickr and Internet radio for public communication. An article in PC World features interviews with the department's Public Information Officer and Spokesperson discussing the use of Web 2.0 media.

Highlights from the article:

• The department began looking at Web 2.0 technologies after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.


• The LAFD uses four attributes to characterize the success of Web 2.0 tools: desirable, beneficial, justifiable and sustainable.


• Interest in the LAFD's effort has grown; its blog just logged its 1 millionth visitor this year, and photos on its Flickr account have been viewed 500,000 times in the past year.


• The most popular effort has been the Twitter account, which now has about 190 followers who can receive Twitter updates from a mobile device. For example, a Twitter will report that a structural fire is being battled by 30 firefighters, or that a car accident has occurred.

Comments

[LAFD]

Michelle,
Thank you for mentioning the Los Angeles Fire Department in your blog.
We appreciate your interest in our technology projects, and pledge to do our utmost to remain worthy of your praise.
Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
LAFD Blog: http://lafd.blogspot.com