Where reliable information comes from
During declared supply disruptions, local emergency management agencies coordinate with retailers and distribute verified resupply information. This includes which stores are open, where distribution points are operating, and when resupply deliveries are expected.
Ready.gov and FEMA maintain real-time information through disaster-specific web pages and social media channels. State and county emergency management agencies provide localized updates.
Your municipal or county government website and official social media accounts are primary sources. Many jurisdictions now use mass notification systems (Nixle, CodeRED, Everbridge) that push verified alerts directly to registered residents.
Filtering signal from noise
Social media posts from unverified accounts claiming stores are closing, supplies are running out, or prices have changed should be verified before acting on them. Screenshots of text messages are not sources.
Neighbor reports can be valuable but should be corroborated. "I heard that..." is not the same as "I was just at the store and..." Direct observation from people you trust is more reliable than forwarded messages.
News aggregator sites that compile disaster information from multiple sources can be useful, but check the timestamp and origin of each claim. Outdated information circulates long after the situation has changed.
Set up your information channels
Register for your county or city emergency alert system before a disruption occurs. Most systems allow registration by address and send alerts for your specific area.
Bookmark your local emergency management agency website and follow their official social media accounts. Identify the local radio station that serves as the Emergency Alert System primary station for your area.
NOAA Weather Radio provides continuous alerts independent of internet and cell service. For non-weather emergencies, many jurisdictions broadcast through the same system.
- Register for your local emergency alert system before a disruption
- Check local emergency management agency websites and official social media for verified resupply information
- Verify social media claims before acting on them
- NOAA Weather Radio provides alerts independent of internet and cell networks
- Direct observation from trusted contacts is more reliable than forwarded messages