Speaking as someone who is surrounded by natural disaster potential, if your city's emergency operations folks have been mobilized, forget what you think about 'media hype' and get you and your family prepared. In the best case, you've practiced it for a time when it really is needed; in the worst case ... you're better off than if you hadn't.
There's no shame in dodging a bullet, but taking one for no reason is just dumb.
/jordan