L.A. Fires Crisis Mode: Avoiding Misinformation with Kerry Sanders

Kerry Sanders, an NBC veteran reporter, has covered crises in 65 countries, 7 continents, and all 50 states. In this episode of Oh Gross!, Kerry shares practical ways to prepare for emergencies and natural disasters as he shares riveting stories from the field as a reporter. He also tackles the dilemma of the digital age—pointing to where audiences can find trustworthy information—and explores what everyone can learn from once the crisis has passed. Kara and Kerry discuss crisis preparedness, focusing particularly on the Los Angeles fires. As numerous communities grapple with the impact of these fires, both locally and nationally, questions about crisis readiness become increasingly relevant.  Kerry shares his expertise on effectively reporting crises without causing panic, emphasizing the importance of precise communication and combating misinformation, especially in the age of social media. Drawing from his 32 years of experience as a Correspondent for NBC News and covering 100's of natural disasters, Kerry talks about tackling the challenges posed by instantaneous, unverified information spread through digital platforms, and the crucial role of traditional media in providing accurate information. Kerry also shares personal experiences, such as his impactful coverage of Hurricane Andrew and Katrina. Kara and him discuss what items he actually has in his own "Go Bag". Kerry offers valuable insights into how he navigates traveling to new locations and being aware of the region and what the potential challenges or natural threats may be. He also discusses how to have  effective evacuation plans for your home and why it is important to maintain  a sense of community in times of disaster. Listeners can expect to gain a deeper understanding of how media can influence public perception during emergencies and the critical role journalists like Kerry play in delivering fact-based news. Join us as we explore these pertinent issues and learn practical tips to enhance personal and community crisis preparedness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices