Through a spate of storms last year that flooded homes and knocked out power to wide swaths of the region, Hunterdon County’s social media accounts buzzed.

Its Facebook page told viewers how to report power outages and where to get showers and shelter. Its Twitter page steered viewers to websites with more information.

While it sounds counterintuitive to send emergency alerts through outlets that need electricity that might be knocked out, emergency management offices are increasingly using social media to let people know about crises big and small.