Social media gets word out during crisis

ATLANTA: Worried relatives, generous volunteers, frantic neighbours and even medical providers are turning to social media now that Hurricane Irma wiped out electricity and cell services to communities across Florida.

“We all sort of scattered around the country when we evacuated, so we’re trying to stay in touch however we can,” said Suzanne Trottier, who left her Key West, Florida home for Virginia almost a week ago.

A Facebook post on Monday brought a bit of good cheer: a photo of a friend who had stayed behind, smiling, healthy and dry.

“Such great news,” posted Trottier’s husband Neil Renouf, adding a thumbs-up.

Leah McNally was relaying information onto Facebook that she heard through a walkie talkie app, Zello, which has been widely used during both Harvey and Irma.

“It’s like a black hole right now but there are people in the Keys relaying information,” she said.

Facebook activated its Safety Check feature for people to let friends and family know they’re safe.

Facebook spokesman Eric Porterfield said that by Monday morning, there were already more than 600 posts asking for help, and more than 2,000 postings offering.

Social media has been a game-changer for Americans coping with natural disasters, Fordham University communications professor Paul Levinson said.

“As long as the phones are charged, you can find out almost instantly that people in the danger zone are doing OK,” he said. — AP