She told us that the U.S. Coast Guard encourages its personnel to be involved in social media in order to show that there really are people behind the uniform. Lt. Thorsson explained that the Coast Guard has particularly used social media outlets during moments of crisis such as with Hurricane Gustav and the Gulf Oil Spill. This action not only helps keep citizens informed, but it also gives the government the opportunity to protect them.

“We’re working very hard to actively engage on all platforms of social media to make sure that the public is getting the information as fast as we can get it to them,” said Lt. Thorsson.

Lt. Thorsson went on to say that Coast Guard is committed to further utilization of social channels in order to promote public safety and build more trust in the government.

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