Official Sources

Identifying official sources of emergency information is important so that during an emergency all members of the community have direct access to accurate and timely facts. This will allow everyone to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.

Make time now to identify your local sources of official information. Subscribe to official emergency alerts from trusted sources and follow social media accounts on the platforms you are comfortable using. See below for a vetted list of official sources from authorities in Humboldt County:

Why is official information preferable?

Local governments and public safety agencies proactively share critical health and safety information once it has been verified. This process ensures that residents receive accurate information as soon as possible. Unofficial sources may collect information from a large number of unverified sources or report on hearsay which may be misleading at best and dangerous at worse.

Are there ways to differentiate between official sources of information and non-official sources?

A good way to identify an official source of information is to visit your city’s or the county’s website. On most local government websites there is a page dedicated to contact information and official social media accounts. Many city websites end in “.org” or “.gov.” Double check to make sure you are visiting the official webpage, not a private site or an employee group.

Best practices to avoid rumors or false information:

  • Stick to official sources: Follow updates directly from local government agencies, emergency services or reputable news outlets.
  • Check before you share: Verify information with multiple trusted sources before forwarding it.
  • Look for red flags: Odd website domains, strange usernames or handles, and posts filled with bad grammar, inconsistent capitalization or ALL CAPS are often signs of unprofessional and unverified content.
  • Read beyond the headline: If a shocking headline grabs your attention, read further and check the full context before sharing it.
  • Be cautious with social media: Not everything online is true. Look for posts from official pages or credible organizations.
  • When in doubt, ask: If you’re unsure about something, confirm it with your local government or emergency services.
  • Stay connected: Sign up for local emergency alerts, press releases or official social media channels to get timely, accurate updates straight from the source.

By sharing only verified information, you help prevent the spread of rumors and keep your community informed, prepared and safe.

Sign Up for Humboldt Alert