“NEEDED:

A Plan to Combat Misinformation”

By Jim Mullen

Emergency managers have enough to do during a disaster without having to cope with fraudulent claims, sometimes from supposedly “responsible” sources. But floods, tornados, earthquakes and wildfires are not fair, either – yet deal with them (and the information demands) we must. Thinking ahead to our next disaster – whatever form it takes – is essential for emergency managers. We cannot begin to know which type of event will capture breaking news headlines, impede commerce and otherwise disrupt or even threaten our lives. In past posts, I discussed the increased concern of malicious information, disinformation or just misinformation sparked by rumors that are repeated and inflated as they spread through social media.

No matter the scale of disaster, misinformation is another, insidious enemy that must be confronted even while trying to respond effectively to a crisis. Given the predilection of even some in responsible positions to trade in misinformation and false accusations for political purposes, I submit it would be wise to add combatting misinformation, disinformation or mal-information in any of its common forms to pre-event planning by emergency managers. Otherwise, accurate information will always be in catch-up mode: it’s said that a lie circumnavigates the globe before the truth puts its pants on!

So how can local emergency managers mitigate the negative consequences of malicious misinformation during a disaster? Here are some “starter” suggestions:

• Start preparing responsible media to affirm where accurate, official information that is easily obtained, and have print and broadcast media bluntly warn against purveyors of misinformation.
• Establish and publicize where people can obtain reliable information updates from government sources to refute rumors and gossip and assign a team to track and counter that misinformation. And take steps to protect those venues from hacking during the event.
• In advance (as in NOW), reach out to news organizations in your local area and make certain that they are attuned to not only the perils of repeating misinformation, but also to assure that they know where to get reliable, and confirmable information about the incident.
• Have a team of credible spokespersons ready and able to monitor and counter misinformation in real time (note: Seattle’s EOC was doing this nearly 30 years ago!).
• And remember, “we don’t yet know – yet” is often the correct, and trust- inducing answer!

No matter the scale of disaster, those indulging in spread of inaccurate information through ignorance or malice must considered the enemy of effective emergency management. It’s best to prepare ahead of your next crisis to counter and discredit such threats to public trust and safety.