McDonald’s did it in New Zealand. A franchise knowingly spammed the #EQNZ hashtag. This #EQNZ hashtag was reserved for emergency use; at least that’s what most thought. So don’t get any ideas about spamming the coming hurricane hashtag with your business opportunities or promotions.

Here’s the tweet that a McDonald’s franchise sent out after the first New Zealand equakequake:

  • Shakey town Christchurch I think you could do with some McDonald’s #eqnz

Employees at McDonald’s spammed a hashtag reserved for earthquake emergencies. They must have thought that a McDonald’s meal was the solution to those who lost family, loved ones and property. It did not go over well in New Zealand. The Twitter account was deleted shortly after McDonald’s pussy footed around . Yes it does happen, and it can happen here. Certain hashtags can and will be reserved for natural disasters and times of unrest. Businesses should avoid placing their promotions in these hashtags in hopes of creating greater visibility. Just because you can does not mean that you should.

We are now in a time where a hurricane is going right through the Eastern seaboard. Leave the designated hashtag alone, and let it be solely reserved for those reporting about the hurricane and those looking for info on their loved ones.