Rumors, myths, lies, scams, hoaxes and good old-fashioned wrong information about disasters, threats and personal safety issues cost businesses and nonprofits millions of dollars annually.
Losses come in the form of lost productivity, increased anxiety and time wasted – none of which we can afford. And most sadly, the people least able to address their concerns and those most vulnerable to scam artists, are frail seniors, people with disabilities and others with special considerations.Everyone can help stop disaster and safety rumors from hurting our community!
Here are some suggestions from CARD:
- Create a “Rumors” page on your website. Post information to address, negate, validate or clarify rumors affecting your community. Send reminders to people to check the rumors page – BEFORE they pass along misinformation.
- Post rumor-busting information in a designated space, such as the snack area or mailroom bulletin board. Many people are not linked by email and do not surf the web looking for this kind of information.
- Seize the Teachable Moment! Even ridiculous rumors and mis-information present opportunities to educate and motivate your audiences about safety and preparedness. Seize every opportunity to make your community more prepared, more united and more resilient!
- Consider linking to sites like www.Snopes.com. Barbara and David Mikkelson maintain Snopes and they debunk urban legends and rumors of many kinds. A quick visit to the site and you’ll find many examples of safety and disaster related rumors. The infamous “Triangle of Life” email is there, as well as many variations of 9/11 and Y2K fiction and falsehoods.
- Link to www.CARDCanHelp.org and help spread safety awareness and preparedness to the most vulnerable people in your community.
Thank You!
