I live in upstate New York, and it's the night before what could possibly end up being the most devastating storm to hit our state in a very, very long time. So, I can't think about social media in any other context.
When Irene hit us as a tropical storm, we lost power for nearly two days — and social media was the one way we were able to get news and keep up to date on family and friends who had it way worse than we did. So as Sandy rears her ugly head, we're charging up our mobile devices and hunkering down for a whopper with the following tips and resources:
TIP: Buy a crank radio. They make them with USB ports now so you can charge your mobile devices. Who knew?
TIP: Follow your local news stations via social media. They will be posting local updates and might be able to respond in the event you have no other way of communicating your need for help.
Relevant Hashtags
#Sandy, #Frankenstorm
Hurricane by American Red Cross: Features "one touch 'I’m safe' messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that they are out of harm’s way."
Relevant Social Presences to Follow
National Hurricane Center on:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on:
FEMA on:
If you're anywhere in the path of this storm, be safe, and be smart.
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