Staying informed without feeling overwhelmed comes down to choosing reliable sources and setting healthy boundaries. Stick to official channels like local emergency services, NOAA weather alerts, and your city’s alert system rather than doomscrolling social media. Set up emergency notifications on your phone, but avoid checking updates obsessively—getting alerts as needed is smarter than living in a constant state of worry. When big events happen, verify information through trusted news sources instead of relying on viral posts. Being informed is about awareness, not anxiety—know what’s happening, but don’t let it consume you.