It has been three days since Hurricane Irene hit New Jersey. While the New Jersey coastline was severely damaged in many spots, at the last minute Irene veered to the left and caused major havoc in central and northern NJ, NY, and New England. Before she started blowing and while we still had electricity, I joined a Facebook group called, Jersey Shore Hurricane News, a group created by three men who provide "up-to-the-minute news and original analysis to keep you informed during the approach of tropical systems. We're currently focusing on Hurricane Irene." The Jersey Shore Hurricane group grew to over 25,000 members and many of them have joined the conversation and contributed the kind of instant detail that can't be found on TV or on the radio.
Throughout the storm I looked to the group for information about the current weather conditions, flooded neighborhoods and lightning strikes. Then, when our power went out and I switched to my Blackberry, I learned that my downtown had flooded and evacuations had started. Today, three days later I am still reading reports about road closures and detours, lost pets, water stations, member clothing donations, evacuation center needs, locations where the power has been restored and many stories of neighbor helping neighbor. The Jersey Shore Hurricane Group also provides details concerning all of our hard hit state.
This, my friends is the true definition of networking; listening, sharing, responding and commenting. It is helping someone else by providing information that you know they need and can immediately use. It is giving without expecting to receive something in return. It is in essence, the very "human" part of human nature.
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