FEMA, WH send storm victims to Internet

Television and radio are still the primary methods of getting information about Hurricane Sandy to the public, but social media are increasingly important to those efforts, Federal Emergency Management Agency chief Craig Fugate said.

Despite the heightened expectation of widespread power and cable television failures, everyone from President Barack Obama to local newscasters seem to expect the public to rely entirely on the Internet and their TVs for vital news and instructions. A call to FEMA’s news desk found even they didn’t have any non-Internet information readily available beyond suggestions that people call 911 in an emergency. When asked where folks should turn for information if they have no power, a FEMA spokeswoman said, “Well, those people who have a laptop with a little battery life on it can try that way. Otherwise, you’re right.” Such blind spots are perilous to the public, experts say.