Evaluating the credibility of an alert requires asking a few fundamental questions: What specific event triggered this? Is the alert coming from a source with a track record of accountability? Are reputable news outlets such as the Associated Press or local affiliates reporting the same information? In the absence of corroboration, a claim should be viewed with a high degree of skepticism. Professional journalists operate under editorial standards that prioritize accuracy over speed, whereas viral posters are often incentivized by the opposite.
New Jersey’s geography—positioned between major metropolitan hubs and boasting an extensive coastline—makes it particularly susceptible to various emergencies, from Nor’easters to heatwaves. Because residents are accustomed to seasonal weather challenges, they may be more inclined to believe emergency claims during active weather months. This familiarity underscores the need for “information hygiene.” Preparing for emergencies is a wise practice that should involve maintaining a basic supply kit and knowing local evacuation routes, but this preparation should be rooted in readiness, not reactionary fear.
