Unique Presentation Identifier:

4

Program Type

Graduate

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Rejina Manandhar

Document Type

Poster

Location

Face-to-face

Start Date

9-4-2026 1:00 PM

End Date

9-4-2026 3:00 PM

Abstract

In January 2026, Arkansas experienced a severe winter storm that resulted in extreme low temperatures, ice-covered roads, and social disruption of daily routine of Arkansans. In the Arkansas River Valley, the storm led to the closure of businesses and schools for several days. This study concentrates on risk communication during the 2026 Arkansas Winter Storm and examines how social media was utilized by county emergency management agencies to disseminate risk information during the event. The data for the study was collected from official Facebook accounts of county emergency management agencies for a seven day period (January 21 - 27, 2026) and was analyzed using content analysis. The results of the study revealed five types of message content: hazard, protective action guidance, impact, assistance, and closures. The agencies also employed various message styles and incorporated visual features such as maps, photos, videos, and infographics in the messages disseminated to the public. This poster discusses these findings and provides theoretical and practical implications for effective social-media based risk communication during extreme events.

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Apr 9th, 1:00 PM Apr 9th, 3:00 PM

Weathering the Storm Online: Risk Communication During the 2026 Arkansas Winter Storm

Face-to-face

In January 2026, Arkansas experienced a severe winter storm that resulted in extreme low temperatures, ice-covered roads, and social disruption of daily routine of Arkansans. In the Arkansas River Valley, the storm led to the closure of businesses and schools for several days. This study concentrates on risk communication during the 2026 Arkansas Winter Storm and examines how social media was utilized by county emergency management agencies to disseminate risk information during the event. The data for the study was collected from official Facebook accounts of county emergency management agencies for a seven day period (January 21 - 27, 2026) and was analyzed using content analysis. The results of the study revealed five types of message content: hazard, protective action guidance, impact, assistance, and closures. The agencies also employed various message styles and incorporated visual features such as maps, photos, videos, and infographics in the messages disseminated to the public. This poster discusses these findings and provides theoretical and practical implications for effective social-media based risk communication during extreme events.