Truth vs. Rumor

Truth vs. Rumor: Fighting Misinformation When It Matters Most

The Double Threat

In the chaos of a disaster, there are always two threats to public safety: the actual hazard, and the false information that follows in its wake. From tornadoes to hurricanes and hazardous material incidents, misinformation can spread just as fast—if not faster—than the disaster itself.

This isn't just an inconvenience. It can change outcomes.

During the aftermath of the remnants of Hurricane Helene, rural counties across Ohio, including Clinton County, were flooded with conflicting information on social media. One viral post claimed that FEMA was withholding disaster funds or was prioritizing certain regions, leading to unnecessary anger and confusion. 

"When people don't know what to believe, they often make the wrong choice."

On September 27, as events unfolded and news coverage intensified, many of us witnessed how quickly rumors and misinformation took hold. These false narratives complicated emergency response efforts, delayed the delivery of aid, and placed additional emotional strain on already-stressed communities. Today, actively combating misinformation is not optional—it is a core function of emergency response operations.

What Misinformation Looks Like in a Disaster

Misinformation doesn't always look like a wild conspiracy theory. Sometimes it's just old data, bad interpretations, or premature speculation. Common types include:

• Unverified or outdated shelter locations from a prior storm shared with the best of intent, but terrible results

• False claims of contamination (food, water, air)

• Misrepresented government actions ("FEMA is denying help to anyone over 60")

• Misleading images from other disasters reused to depict current events

• Fake maps showing exaggerated damage zones

During Hurricane Helene’s impact, a widely shared map falsely showed a total communications blackout across parts of southern Ohio. In reality, disruptions were scattered and mostly related to overloaded cellular networks. The panic sparked by the post led to a surge of 9-1-1 calls, with many residents asking if their loved ones were safe or if communications systems had completely failed. This influx of non-emergency calls placed additional stress on emergency dispatchers and delayed responses to actual life-threatening incidents. Clinton County EMA works diligently to provide verified, factual updates during emergencies—helping reduce confusion and ensuring that our 9-1-1 system remains available for true emergencies.

"One post can spark a hundred phone calls. And that delays help for the people who need it most."

How Emergency Management Responds

In Clinton County, we work under the principle that information is a form of aid. Our steps include:

• Rapid Posting: If a credible threat or question arises, we aim to post official updates within minutes on our verified platforms.

• Rumor Control Pages: During active incidents, we may activate a dedicated section on our website (https://www.cc-ema.org/notice or a blog story) or Facebook page to clarify circulating claims.

• Visual Myth-Busting: Using side-by-side comparisons (Myth vs. Fact), we help residents clearly see the truth.

• Regular Community Engagement: Trust is built before the disaster. We maintain transparency in non-emergency times so that people know who to listen to when it matters.

"Don’t wait until the storm hits to be the voice your community trusts."

How the Public Can Help

We can’t do this alone. Residents play a crucial role in slowing the spread of false information. Here’s how:

• Pause Before You Share: Ask yourself if the information is from a verified source. If not, don’t spread it.

• Check the Date: Make sure the information you are about to share is current. Outdated posts—even well-intentioned ones—can mislead others and cause confusion.

• Report Rumors: If you see something questionable, let us know. We can verify and respond.

• Be a Digital Leader: In local Facebook groups, church networks, or neighborhood threads, be the one who brings facts into the conversation.

"In every disaster, there are everyday heroes. Some carry sandbags. Some carry the truth."

Misunderstanding FEMA Assistance

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, some residents expressed frustration, believing that FEMA's assistance was insufficient compared to other federal aid programs. This perception often stems from a misunderstanding of the scope and limitations of FEMA's disaster assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

FEMA's Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster. This includes assistance for temporary housing, home repairs, and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. However, it's important to note that IHP is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster.

Additionally, FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) Program offers grants to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, as well as certain private non-profits, to assist with the response and recovery from major disasters. This includes funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair or replacement of damaged public infrastructure.

These programs are designed to provide immediate and essential support to disaster-stricken communities but are governed by specific eligibility criteria and funding limitations. Understanding the structure and intent of these programs can help set realistic expectations and improve community resilience.

Learn more about Individual Assistance and what is/is not included at https://www.cc-ema.org/ia

Building the Information Firewall

Emergency management isn’t just about logistics and response. It’s about communication. And today, our battlefield includes misinformation.

To every resident, we say this: If something seems off, check our official pages first. Sign up for alerts. Follow us on Facebook. Share our updates.

Because when the winds howl or the sirens wail, the right information is the most powerful tool we have.

"Rumors may run fast. But facts, when trusted, run deep."