Don't be The #FirehouseTwit!

Social media is probably here to stay, though it may evolve as technology gets better and better, but it seems pretty certain that social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit and others will be around for a long time as they continue to mature as a source for getting out breaking information and opinions.

Many government entities are embracing social media just like people and private corporations as a way to reach the public quickly about information that is necessary for them to know - such as storm warnings, construction work, road repairs, busted water mains or a suspect on the loose in a neighborhood.

While social media can be an effective mode of direct communication with interested stakeholders, it can also be a platform rife for abuse or unprofessional behavior by those who are in a position to represent a company or government entity. There are many fire departments that have developed a social-media presence, and it is important that all firefighters understand the reputation and image that is at stake with social media.

This means that if you don't have one, it is time to develop a written social media policy - one for the department's own social media presence, and one for firefighters' personal accounts. While some gruesome wreckage might get a lot of hits on social media, the idea is not to be a serial re-tweeter or be the one who gets a lot of re-tweets for things like accident or fire scenes where a firefighter might have been working.

As a fire chief or captain, it will likely be your job to establish a policy for social media that fits not only the department account (which means perhaps keeping one person in charge and operating it) and for personal accounts. It can be considered highly appropriate, if not an ethical or legal violation, to post "work" photos of fires or car accident scenes over social media, even on a personal account. And any comments that are made about the department, the job or anyone affiliated with work on a personal account could also be addressed.

Again, reputation of your department is at stake, no matter if it's @YourFD or @JoeFireman - and if there is no control over social media in terms of policy and regular reminders, the reputation could be soiled. And that will take a lot longer and be more difficult to repair thank keeping up a positive and professional reputation.