An historic fire burned in Chicago for two days in 1871, killing hundreds of people and ruining the lives of countless others. If social media had existed at the time, the damage might have been less extensive.
As flames ravage Slave Lake, Alta., people are using social media, not just to share their thoughts about the natural disaster but also to help those affected by it.
On the Global Edmonton Facebook page, for example, one concerned woman said she was working closely with a donation centre set up at a nearby Wal-Mart. She urged people to get involved, and to contribute backpacks to help volunteers carry goods donated to those affected by the wildfires.
“In the past, we connected with people we already knew," Alfred Hermida, a journalism professor at the University of British Columbia, told Globalnews.ca. “But what social networks excel at is enabling users to connect with others who are passionate about the same topic and who are following the same issues.
“Social media helps to mobilize by giving users a ready-made network to tap into – whether in response to an uprising in Egypt or to a natural disaster such as the one in Slave Lake."
Another Edmonton Facebook user offered accommodations to those in need and added that she has a crib and two playpens available. She also asked where she could send charitable donations.
Some concerned Canadians reached out on Global News' live blog.
"Hey all," wrote one user. "I was a resident in Slave during the Chisom/Mitsue fire so my thoughts are with you at this time.
"But please can we get some clarification on needs. I'm sure I heard on CHED at just past 1:00 pm that people should not be driving directly to the centers to make donations. If this is wrong please post as we're taking in tonnes of donations here at my work."
Of course, many people used social media to simply share their thoughts.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to our family in Slave Lake," said one. “Sending prayer's out to all those who had to leave their homes and belongings and to all the fire fighter's who are fighting the fire in Slave Lake," said another.
Such posts don’t surprise Hermida, who found out about the wildfires on Twitter. “If you’re not part of social media," he said, “you’re not part of that world."
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