Don't panic, just ask.

"Just to be clear, is anyone going to die as a result of our action or
inaction? Will Ogilvy go out of business? Will anyone lose a child?
Because if that's true, let me know, and I'll get significantly more
agitated." It just makes everyone laugh, and when we're done laughing,
I tell them, "Now let's really focus and get this problem sorted out."

HBR, the best lesson I've ever got