U.S. Coast Guard officials said yesterday via Twitter that people in distress should call its direct phone lines instead of using social media to get help.     The coast guard said in its post the best method to track all reports is through phone lines. "Social media is not a reliable resource for reporting emergencies in an unprecedented crisis situation like this one," stated the U.S. Coast Guard Twitter account. "We urge people to call any of the established phone lines until they get through to some one to request help." In its tweet, the coast guard also advised people who need help to move to higher ground and directed them to mark the roof of their location with towels or sheets to help responders notice them from aircraft. "Do not go into the attic, rescuers from the air cannot see you," the tweet stated. However, some victims have continued using social media to post requests for help or rescue with some success. Many people are posting about their situations and locations on Twitter, and a Houston resident was rescued from a rooft after posting a plea for help on Instagram.