How can monitoring social media be useful during active shooter activities?

Monitoring social media during active shooter activities is essential as it offers real-time updates about the situation. Social media platforms often serve as immediate sources of information, where both witnesses and official sources post updates, share news, and provide alerts. This real-time data can help first responders assess the unfolding situation more accurately and rapidly respond to incidents, as they can glean information about locations, movement, and the status of the incident directly from the field.

Real-time updates may also include information about the safety of individuals, as people use these platforms to communicate their safety status. Furthermore, social media can inform those in the vicinity about which areas to avoid and which routes may be safer for exiting the scene of danger. This timely flow of information is crucial for managing the incident effectively and ensuring public safety.