Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!
I am the great and powerful Wizard of Oz!
If it hadn't been for Toto pulling the curtain, Doroithy and her companions might have continued to believe and taken advice from a giant firery head who spoke in a thunderous voice. Admittedly sometimes there is a tendency to believe whoever is the loudest is the "rightest" and this kind of thinking can take over in times of panic, but it is especially wise to consider the source of information especially in times of pre or post disaster.
Heading off misinformation can be helpful and can be done by anticipating some of the potential specific hazards and problems prior to an event and being prepared. This includes stocking up on necessities and having valuable paperwork in a safe, accessible place. Setting up a chain of communication with people in your support network is also a good idea making sure everyone has all current contact information. Maintaining care of oneself especially being adequately rested can make one less vulnerable to conjecture and panic related information as well. Such preparation can help as well in minimizing anxiety by acknowledging that you did everything within your power to be prepared to fend off the results of a disaster as was humanly possible.
Perhaps most important is limiting your exposure to graphic and sensationalized news coverage. Tune in to credible sources of news and information and seek out and follow advice from experts. Identify appropriate agencies prior to a disaster and have their contact information accessible to save time. Remember that children and elderly people are often taken advantage of by individuals spreading misinformation deliberately or because of panic. Take steps to prevent the effects of incorrect information on children by reminding them they can check with you should they have questions about any aspect of their situation. Stay in touch with elderly relatives and what they may be doing in response to the situation especially in regard to their finances and repairs their home may require post disaster. Having some prepared distraction ready if possible can be helpful as well in maintaining calm after a personal storm of some kind.
In the end talking and sharing feelings with caring individuals and utilizing your sense of humor can help make you less disposed to baseless , misinformation that can result when paniced people fill in gaps and lapses in accurate knowledge in an attempt to feel some sense of control.
