Truth #8: Good information can be hard to come by

Imagine that your phone alerts you that a wildfire has started, not so far away. When you look out the window, you notice the orange sky is getting darker with smoke and ash. Now you’re getting nervous. Is the fire coming your way? How fast? If you have to evacuate, which way should you go? You need more information, how do you get it?

Having already signed up for emergency alerts you got a head start with an early notification. Your local newspaper’s website reports the fire has progressed to a site 30 miles. However, this contradicts your county’s official website, which states the fire is still 50 miles away. Which one is accurate?

Talking to your neighbors, one says that they heard that the wildfire was traveling away and not a danger. A second neighbor heard on a local news radio station that the wildfire is mostly contained. A third read on Facebook that it was not contained at all and traveling fast in your direction. Which do you act on?

Between too little information and too much information (sprinkled with the inevitable misinformation), getting the right information can be difficult in a rapidly changing situation. In a wildfire (or any disaster), accurate information is critical to making good decisions. Unfortunately, wildfires travel fast and unpredictably — even official sources may not be able to keep up!

Always, err on the safe side. If you feel you may be at risk, then just leave.

Do you know where to get your local official information?
Are you signed up for emergency alerts?

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