Crisis Team : Redbook/VDEM

Crisis: Eastern Shore Missile Threat

Key Messages:

1) At approximately 6:40 p.m. a series of emergency alerts were issued to residents on the
Eastern Shore stating that a ballistic missile was headed to their area. Initially we were
informed that an employee accidentally triggered the emergency alert system. After
speaking with the employee, they admitted that they purposely set off the alarm with the
belief that the Eastern Shore was actually in danger of being struck by a ballistic missile.
2) We are currently investigating the situation and questioning the employee, and we advise
everyone on the Eastern Shore to continue to seek shelter and stay as safe as possible, as
we are not yet aware of whether the information the employee received is legitimate.
3) We understand that these emergency messages have caused extreme distress and put the
Eastern Shore residents and their families in a state of confusion and panic, and for this
we are truly sorry. We are closely monitoring the situation and updating the public every
step of the way as we receive new information. We have sent out troops and active
police officers to ensure that everyone in the affected get to shelters safely. Due to the
severe consequences caused by this employee, they have been suspended from working
at the VDEM until the investigation is complete.

Statements:

Media:
At approximately 6:40 p.m. a series of emergency alerts were issued to residents on the
Eastern Shore stating that a ballistic missile was headed to their area. Initially we were informed
that an employee accidentally triggered the emergency alert system. After speaking with the
employee, they admitted that they purposely set off the alarm with the belief that the Eastern
Shore was actually in danger of being struck by a ballistic missile.
We are currently investigating the situation and questioning the employee, and we advise
everyone on the Eastern Shore to continue to seek shelter and stay as safe as possible, as we are
not yet aware of whether the information the employee received is legitimate.
We understand that these emergency messages have caused extreme distress and put the
Eastern Shore residents and their families in a state of confusion and panic, and for this we are
truly sorry. We are closely monitoring the situation and updating the public every step of the
way as we receive new information. We have sent out troops and active police officers to ensure
that everyone in the affected get to shelters safely. Due to the severe consequences caused by this
employee, they have been suspended from working at the VDEM until the investigation is
complete.

Employees: At approximately 6:40 pm, a series of emergency alerts were issued to the residents
of the Eastern Shore stating that a ballistic missile was inbound of the area. Instinctively, this
message reverted the residents of Eastern Shore to go into a state of panic after receiving these
alerts from broadcasters and via social media.

Initially, it was said that one of our own employees accidentally triggered the emergency alert
system. After briefing with the employee, the individual honestly believed we were in danger of
the ballistic missile and assured that there was no malicious intent.

As the Internal Communicator of VDEM, I have scheduled an emergency meeting for all
employees in your perspective meeting jurisdiction at 12:00 am today. The intent of the meeting
is to discuss this situation in-depth and update each team member on all aspects of the crisis. At
VDEM we are truly a family. It is our hope that we have set up an environment where each team
member feels compelled to speak freely and honest on any matter. If you have any information
or knowledge on this situation, please reach out to the Director of Crisis, Amy Lynn,
immediately. Her extension is #506960. We will resume with all responsibilities as of now to
protect the residents of Eastern Shore, as we are civilians as well who need to remain safe. I look
forward to meeting with you all shortly.

Legal/Regulatory:
We are getting more information on the situation and confirming what we can legally give out at
this time. We will keep you all updated throughout the process. (Release Information)

Update: At 6:43 it is alleged an employee accidentally hit a button to make the alarm go off.
However, legally we cannot release the employee information until further investigation.
(Release Information)

We decided to put the employee on suspension as we continue to investigate. (Release

Information)

An eastern shore resident is filing a lawsuit for claims that the fake alarm caused a heart attack.
(Do not release this information!)

Release an apology to everyone from tv to radio to all social media platforms.

Social Media Posts:
We recommend Eastern Shore residents to seek shelter and stay calm.

Tweet:6:40 alerts went out to residents, it was an accidental mistake by employee.

Other social media platforms: @6:40 alerts went out to Eastern Shore residents, however it was
an accidental mistake by an employee.

All social media platforms: We are sincerely apologize for the false alarm & are continuing to
investigate.

All social media platforms: To our current Knowledge, there is no threat. But, we advise
residents to continue to seek shelter.

All social media platforms: Employee currently suspended until the investigation is over

All social media platforms: We’re sending out law enforcement officials to ensure public safety.

All social media platforms: We sincerely apologize to everyone involved.