Officials leading the response to the blizzard that has buried some residents and businesses in the San Bernardino Mountains under several feet of snow are increasing the flow of information they are publicly releasing after several days of what they say is misguided criticism and insufficient publicity about their efforts to help the community.
San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said in an interview Wednesday, March 8, that there is a misperception that his agency and others have been slow to help residents who are stuck in their homes by piles of snow or who are running low on food and medicine.
But Dicus also acknowledged that the agencies could have done a better job of informing the public about their efforts, leaving social media posts criticizing the government and highlighting the heroics of volunteers to create a narrative that many have accepted as gospel.
“When we’re out there trying to do things, the last thing we are doing is taking pictures of us doing our job,” Dicus said. “In terms of doing what’s important — protecting human life — the response has been immediate.”
The media isn’t covering that aspect of the story enough, Dicus said, but added, “It isn’t about the credit.”
Officials this week began posting more messages with photos on Twitter showing firefighters and sheriff’s deputies digging out residents’ cars and homes and delivering meals. The county is also posting daily video briefings on Twitter on what workers have accomplished and what they plan to do.
There was “a long meeting” Tuesday night about the county’s messaging, said Eric Sherwin, a spokesman for the storm response.
“The question is, ‘Why isn’t the media highlighting all the good things we are doing?’ ” Sherwin said.
Officials are bringing in more public information officers, primarily to provide information to the affected residents, Sherwin said. Officials plan to place message boards where food is being distributed…
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