Turning to Social Media in the Wake of Hurricane Irma

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Social media is a very good way to broaden awareness of what is happening in the real world, bringing businesses together with families who need aid, and acknowledging those who are helping on the front-lines in allowing those who are being helped put faces to those who are actively helping. Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are some of the best ways to show people what is going on in other parts of the world. Almost everyone has some form of social media, whether it be something they access on their phones or on computers, as long as it is available it can benefit people in need. Having the ability to access social media is the first step in accessing current events. Current events such as Hurricane Irma are hurting an enormous amount of people. These people can request help from a larger populous, because they have access to said populous through social media.

Raising Awareness in the Face of Disaster


Facebook has a search engine option that people can use to see who is in danger, and who is safe. People can mark themselves safe, request help,  
or offer help directly to an area of need. Without being able to directly assist people in endangered areas, people who want to help will not be able to. Facebook is typically known for being used by the older generations. People who are older and who have adult lives are better known for having a Facebook account, whereas Instagram and Twitter are more known for the younger generation and people who are much more concerned with what is going on based on direct conversation.

Twitter and Instagram are showing what is happening in Florida, and getting people to want to help the survivors in any way they can. Because of these two media accounts, people from all over the world can see what is happening to the homes and families of the people in the affected areas.  
Not just people in America are able to see the damage done, but people from other countries who also have access to the social media accounts are able to send help. This is something they would not be able to band together and do if they did not have accounts on Twitter and Instagram.

The Power of Businesses and Corporations

In the face of disasters like Hurricane Irma, amongst others, social media is key not only for raising awareness of relief efforts, but also for allowing small businesses and large corporations to get their own message out and directly address the efforts that they are making so that those affected can see what the first-hand efforts are looking like. These businesses are helping in large-scale ways in some situations, and social media acts as a go-between for families and corporations so there is a visual that progress is indeed being made, as well as showing those affected who is on “their side.” Some people may look at this as just being good for a PR stunt, but I firmly believe that, while that may be a side-effect, it is not the main reason for businesses taking to social media; survivors and their families need assurance during a time of disaster that people who can pull strings and have an abundance of resources are taking up arms and utilizing their standing to help bring relief.

            

The above tweet from FEMA is just one example of this. FEMA is demonstrating their hands-on approach and showing that they are actively walking the streets to bring aid to families with the assurance that they are not charging for any services, but that they are acting as a charity movement to allow those affected a free outlet to apply for aid. They are making a powerful statement that they are the ones bringing aid, and that families do not need to search it out for themselves if they are in the disaster zone. The image of the men walking is a good addition because it is a “live” demonstration of the efforts being made.


Screen Shot 2017-09-14 at 10.27.01 AM.png           This hotel took to social media to alert families that they are currently taking in refugees and that they will not be turning anyone away if they have animals. This is a good example of smaller businesses using their own regulations to extend aid to families if they have no where else to go because of an animal or other issues preventing them from evacuating. They offer a special rate to make their hotel as accessible as possible so they minimize who they may be turning away.


Screen Shot 2017-09-14 at 10.35.15 AM.png

 Here, we have an example of an insurance company who is reaching out to affected families. The families of Hurricane Irma may not have insurance that covers property damage for hurricanes or otherwise unable to get a claim in to their regular agent. The promise of getting them “back on your feet as quickly as possible” brings hope to affected families that they can recover as much as possible in a relatively short period of time. This is a good example of social media being used as bringing hope, as these advertisements are directly addressing relief efforts that may not be able to come from other sources.


           Larger businesses are using social media to show that they are willing, and able, to help Hurricane Irma survivors. The first tweet is explaining aid that is available to families in the disaster area and this is an important idea in that families may not know that certain charities are offering relief packages. Being on social media, this announcement reaches a larger audience and more families may be able to take advantage of what they are entitled to. It also serves as a good way for other organizations to get involved and follow the lead of this company to add in their own aid packages. The second tweet serves as an important warning. SERT is using their social media presence to send out a PSA that enables people to be assured that they will not be taken advantage of if they seek out aid from two reputable sources, and doing so gives more faith and encouragement to not be afraid to take charities up on their offers of aid for fear of having their information stolen.

How those that Helped are Seen in Public Eyes


Social media is also being used to directly thank people who are directly helping with the cleanup of Hurricane Irma. Some of the thanks are coming from the spouses of the people who are going to the affected areas, while other thanks are being given by the survivors of the hurricane. These people who are in the fray, helping survivors rebuild their homes, and providing them with necessities. 
The Coast Guard came out in full force to help the hurricane survivors for an extended period of time. The amount of effort they had put in is being acknowledged below, and we can see that the woman who posted this was very proud. She is bringing a post to the people to show just how much they care.
Screen Shot 2017-09-14 at 10.38.35 AM.png 

            
During a disaster situation there are many unknowns, and this can cause panic for the ones not only directly affected by the situation, but also their loved ones. Social media campaigns and Twitter hashtags can bring people who are seeking aid together to find a mutual community of those willing to help and those seeking help. Social media works as an advertising ground that raises awareness for these campaigns and also allows those who are seeking aid a way to get information regarding where to go and who exactly is offering services they may very much need; not only that, but social media is a way to bring together families and relief workers by showing the progress that is being made and bringing to light the faces and names of those who are serving to make the disaster area a better place. 

Works Cited


Asjberryjams. Coast Guard standing in two lines in front of a orange and white helicopter. Instagram. Sep. 14, 2017. 9:50 a.m. https://www.instagram.com/p/BZBoqe6hFB5/?taken-by=asjberryjams

Febzilla12. “If you still don’t have power and need a place to stay at post irma, Rosen Hotels has an Irma rate of $59. Pets are welcome too.” Instagram. Sep. 14, 2017. 9:45 a.m. https://www.instagram.com/p/BZCCphYHeV0/?tagged=rosenhotels

@fema. “(½)Our disaster survivor teams are going door-to-door in FL, Puerto Rico, & the US Virgin Islands to help people apply for aid. #Irma.” Men walking down the street. Twitter. 15 Sept. 2017, 11:16 am. https://twitter.com/fema/status/908756506232918017. 

@fema. “(2/2) Keep in mind, federal/state staff will NOT Charge for services. Our #irma rumor control page has more info.” Twitter. 15 Sept. 2017, 11:18 am. https://twitter.com/fema/status/908756839214583808. 

@FLSERT. “Families impacted by #irma are eligible to receive one or more food packages with 10 to 20 food items bit.ly/2w0gk8D #FLResponds.” Twitter. 18 Sept. 2017, 3:00 pm. https://twitter.com/FLSERT/status/909869647259979776.

@FLSERT. “.@fema will NOT ask for personal information or charge for services. Don’t respond to texts, calls or personal requests seeking your info.” Twitter. 14 Sept. 2017, 5:48 pm. https://twitter.com/FLSERT/status/908492765604048896.


Icwi_jamaica. Destroyed homes and fallen trees with a caption that advertises insurance claims. Instagram. 14 Sept. 2017, 9:45 am. https://www.instagram.com/p/BZBoo60HMb6/?taken-by=icwi_jamaica





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