Skip to content

If You're Not in the Storm, Don't Use #HurricaneFlorence

Sept. 14, 2018
2 min read
GettyImages-1028930494
If You're Not in the Storm, Don't Use #HurricaneFlorence
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Since Hurricane Florence's landfall Friday morning, the storm caused severe damage to the mid-lower East Coast, with a reported four fatalities thus far. While locals have been advised to evacuate the premises, not all have. However, it turns out that social media can play a crucial role in communication during natural disasters. In an extensive twitter thread, New York Times journalist Kendra Pierre-Louis warns Twitter users not to abuse the Hurricane Florence hashtag as a safety measure.


With power sapped from 620,000 civilians in the Carolinas already, social media can be a potential lifeline to those without other means of communication. By hashtagging the hurricane for any business that isn't directly related to a news update or someone's personal safety, you may actually be drowning out a cry for help.

Pierre-Louis elaborates in a later tweet that North Carolina utility has stated on record that parts of the state will be left without power for weeks. "If you manage to survive the storm, and the flooding, without electricity it's going to be tough to get help," says Pierre-Louis on her Twitter account. "Really think it through."

If you have yet to evacuate and are in need of updates, FEMA's twitter account will be providing live updates of Florence as well as safety tips.

To provide relief to Hurricane Florence victims, TPG compiled a short list of ways you can help. And remember, hashtag with caution!

Featured Image by SOPA Images via Getty Images

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
Featured image by SOPA Images