DEMA Adds Nextdoor Social Media App

(Smyrna) – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) has initiated an account with the social media app Nextdoor.  Nextdoor is a free, private social network for neighborhoods with over 73,000 members in Delaware, reaching nearly 57,000 households.

Delaware Emergency Management Agency will be using Nextdoor’s Public Agencies platform to enhance communication between the Department and Delaware residents.  Use of the app by organizations like DEMA allow for notification on a statewide or countywide basis.  Nextdoor also gives DEMA the ability to send emergency notifications to specific communities throughout the state.

DEMA used Nextdoor for its first public notification with information sent to New Castle County members regarding the October 5th Potassium Iodide distribution for residents of a 10-mile radius of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Station.

Following its initial posting to inform Delaware members that DEMA had signed up to use the Nextdoor app, DEMA received over 700 responses from members thanking the agency for adding another means of notifying residents of emergency situations in their neighborhoods.  “Timely notification is critical during emergencies,” said A.J. Schall, director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency.  “Nextdoor adds another tool to our toolbox for efficient and effective outreach to provide important information that may help protect lives and property all across the State of Delaware”.