How Social Media Helped Buffalo Communities During a Heavy Snowstorm

Many people calling for help during the snowstorm in Buffalo City, New York, turned to social media.

The power of the community helped affected residents as heavy snow and blizzard conditions were unloaded in their area.

The heavy lake-effect snow and severe weather conditions became life-threatening in Buffalo City.

The snow and blizzard conditions resulted in major travel disruptions and slowed commutes.

(Photo : by John Normile/Getty Images)
December 28, 2022 in Buffalo, New York

In a previous report, the snowstorm in Buffalo City and other portions of the United States resulted in widespread power outages and deaths.

Rescuers tried to send assistance immediately, but the severe winter conditions caused zero road visibility and dangerous road travel.

Helping communities during the snowstorm

During the most difficult times, emergency hotlines could not accommodate all calls and assistance due to the influx of requests. Some had to wait.

According to AccuWeather's recent report this December 29, residents in Buffalo City called for help on their social media accounts.

Communities answered the call to help one another during the snowstorm.

There are many successful stories of community outreach on social media.

The power of the internet helps people to connect and extend the immediate assistance they can.

During the heavy snow, social media became an important communication tool for asking for assistance from good-hearted people in the community.

According to an AccuWeather report, a 64-year-old man from Buffalo City sought help from the streets.

Nearby communities urgently approached the man for assistance. The man was identified as John White.

The report explained that Sha'Kyra Aughtry answered the call on Christmas Eve.

As they checked, they found out he suffered from severe frostbite due to the extremely cold weather. Immediately, Aughtry and her boyfriend helped the man.

Without medical assistance, Aughtry looked for immediate help from the emergency hotlines.

Knowing the man's current health state and the prolonged exposure to the colder weather, the report said that Aughtry sought help on Facebook Live.

AccuWeather added that good-hearted people came to the rescue. They brought White to the nearest hospital, where he suffered from a fourth-degree frostbite.

Social media has been an essential platform for seeking immediate help during the snowstorm, especially what happened to White, who suffered from extremely cold weather.

Also Read: Winter Tips: How to Safely Remove Snow at Your Home

On the other hand, there are more stories about community cooperation during the winter storm.

AccuWeather added that a person undergoing dialysis asked for help on social media, helping to shover the pile of snow blocking the driveway.

Greg Monett from Buffalo, 43-year-old, also sought assistance from emergency hotlines, but they couldn't immediately respond due to the influx of calls.

Suffering from low blood sugar levels that eventually recovered, neighbors came to help, and he did arrive at the dialysis on time.

The snowstorm could be challenging and dangerous.

The recent snowstorm in the U.S. resulted in widespread travel delays. Meanwhile, homeowners also suffer from hypothermia or frostbite, especially when power is down.

Keeping an emergency kit is important. It should include power banks, battery-powered radios, bottled water and food. Keeping your layered winter clothes is essential.