How Social Media Helped Small Businesses Reach the Community Before, During, and After Hurricanes Helene and Milton

In the face of natural disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton, social media became a critical tool not only for individuals but also for businesses. Local companies used these platforms to support their communities before, during, and after the storms hit the Florida coast. From offering help with preparations to providing essential services in the aftermath, businesses stepped up in big ways—and social media allowed them to reach thousands quickly and effectively.

Before the Storm: Local Businesses Offering Hurricane Prep Support

Before Hurricane Helene even made landfall, local businesses took to social media to offer their help. Many people were scrambling to get their homes ready, unsure of what they might need. Businesses like hardware stores, home improvement companies, and others in the community used social media to announce that they had supplies such as sandbags, plywood for boarding up windows, and other hurricane prep essentials.

Some businesses even went the extra mile by offering delivery services. They used platforms like Facebook and Instagram to let people know that sandbags and other items could be delivered straight to their homes. This was particularly helpful for elderly residents or those without access to transportation.

Even law firms got involved. For example, Colucci Law Group, one of our clients, used their social media pages to educate the public on how to prepare for the storm. They shared important tips on reviewing insurance policies, ensuring homes were covered, and understanding what would be protected in the event of hurricane damage. This type of community engagement was invaluable in helping people take the necessary steps to protect their homes and families before the hurricanes hit.

After the Storm: Businesses Supporting Cleanup and Donations

Once the storms had passed, the real work began. Hundreds of thousands of people across Florida were left with flooded homes, destroyed belongings, and no electricity. The cleanup process was overwhelming, but local businesses once again used social media to offer their support.

Restaurants across the state started offering free meals to hurricane victims. They posted in community groups, letting people know where they could come for hot food and a place to gather. These businesses became hubs of support, providing not just meals but also a sense of community during a difficult time.

Local clinics and health centers also used social media to let people know they were offering B12 shots and IVs to help victims and first responders combat exhaustion and the health risks associated with the cleanup efforts. Many first responders and volunteers were working long hours, often in unsafe conditions, and these services provided a much-needed boost.

Even daycares pitched in by offering free childcare to families who were dealing with the aftermath of the storm. Parents who needed help cleaning out their homes or figuring out their next steps were able to leave their children in a safe place, thanks to businesses spreading the word on social media.

Social media allowed these businesses to reach the community quickly and efficiently, ensuring that help was provided where it was needed most. Without these platforms, coordinating such large-scale efforts would have been much harder.

Rescuing and Fostering Animals Through Social Media

Another heartbreaking part of the storm’s aftermath involved the pets that were left behind. Many families evacuated, thinking the storm surge wouldn’t be that bad, and left their pets at home for what they assumed would be just one night. Unfortunately, this led to hundreds of pet deaths and thousands of animals without homes.

After the storm, animals were found wandering the streets, lost and scared. Families that hadn’t evacuated sometimes had to leave their homes with their pets, but not everyone was able to keep their animals with them due to shelters or temporary housing that didn’t allow pets. As a result, many pets became separated from their families.

Social media became a key tool in helping reunite these animals with their owners. People posted photos of their missing pets, and others shared pictures of animals they had found. Facebook groups and neighborhood apps were filled with posts about dogs, cats, and even small animals that had been found or were in need of fostering because their homes had been destroyed.

In one touching story, I saw a post about a little Yorkie who wandered into a pet shop nearly 10 days after the first storm hit. He was severely dehydrated and had multiple infections. After taking him to an emergency vet, we discovered his name was Sammy—he was 12 years old, deaf, and blind. When we contacted his owner, she explained that she couldn’t take him back because the place they were staying didn’t allow pets, and their home had been destroyed.

Sadly, many people were in similar situations, unable to care for their pets after the hurricanes. But thanks to social media, we were able to find Sammy, care for him, and eventually rehome him. Stories like this played out all over Florida, as social media helped bring lost pets and their owners back together or connected them with new homes.

The Power of Social Media in Times of Crisis

Like everything in life, social media has its pros and cons. But in the face of life-threatening storms like Hurricanes Helene and Milton, social media showed its power for good. It helped people prepare, find each other, and recover in ways that might not have been possible otherwise.

Local businesses used these platforms to keep their communities informed and provide essential services when they were needed most. Whether it was offering sandbags before the storm, providing free meals after the storm, or helping rescue and rehome pets, social media played a crucial role in bringing people together.

In times of crisis, community is everything—and social media allowed us to build stronger, more connected communities that supported each other through the toughest of times.

-Natalie McElwain

Owner-The Social Circle by Natalie