The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a disgraceful agency with no constitutional authority to exist.

The agency has faced extreme criticism since Hurricane Helene made landfall for its lack of response and alleged interference in search and rescue efforts from private men and women.

In response, FEMA established ‘rumor control’ to fight its public relations nightmare.

“There has been a lot of rumors spreading about the #Helene response. Rumors can create confusion & prevent people from getting assistance they need. Help us share accurate information,” FEMA wrote.

Rumor control

* Image from FEMA X Post *

Per FEMA:

Rumor: FEMA distributes aid based on demographic characteristics.

Fact:

FEMA provides assistance to survivors regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.

Rumor: FEMA is in the process of confiscating Helene survivor property. If I apply for disaster assistance and my land is deemed unlivable, my property will be seized.

Fact:

FEMA cannot seize your property or land. Applying for disaster assistance does not grant FEMA or the federal government authority or ownership of your property or land. When you apply for disaster assistance a FEMA inspector may be sent to verify the damage on your home. This is one of many factors reviewed to determine what kind of disaster assistance you may be eligible for. If the results of the inspection deem your home uninhabitable, that information is only used to determine the amount of FEMA assistance you may receive to make your home safe, sanitary and functional.

Rumor: FEMA is no longer accepting applications for housing assistance.

Fact:

FEMA is still accepting assistance applications throughout areas affected by Helene. For current application timelines, visit disasterassistance.gov. You can also see if applications are being accepted on FEMA’s state specific Helene disaster webpages; Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Rumor: FEMA does not have enough money to provide disaster assistance for Helene.

Fact:

FEMA has enough money right now for immediate response and recovery needs. If you were affected by Helene, do not hesitate to apply for disaster assistance as there is a variety of help available for different needs.

Rumor: FEMA is asking for cash donations and turning away volunteers.

Fact:

This is false: FEMA does not ask for or generally accept any cash donations or volunteers for disaster response. We do encourage people who want to help to volunteer with or donate cash to reputable voluntary or charitable organizations. After a disaster, cash is often the best way to help as it provides the greatest flexibility for these reputable organizations working on the ground to purchase exactly what is needed.

If you encounter someone claiming to represent FEMA and asking for donations, be careful as that is likely a scam. Government employees will never solicit money.

Rumor: Funding for FEMA disaster response was diverted to support international efforts or border related issues.

Fact:

This is false. No money is being diverted from disaster response needs. FEMA’s disaster response efforts and individual assistance is funded through the Disaster Relief Fund, which is a dedicated fund for disaster efforts. Disaster Relief Fund money has not been diverted to other, non-disaster related efforts.

Rumor: FEMA is confiscating donations for survivors.

Fact:

Rumors about FEMA turning away donations, stopping trucks or vehicles with donations, confiscating and seizing supplies often spread after a disaster. These are all false.

FEMA does not take donations and/or food from survivors or voluntary organizations. Donations of food, water, or other goods are handled by voluntary agencies who specialize in storing, sorting, cleaning, and distributing donated items.

FEMA does not conduct vehicle stops or handle road closures with armed guards — those are done by local law enforcement.

Rumor: FEMA will only provide $750 to disaster survivors to support their recovery.

Fact:

This is false.

One type of assistance that is often approved quickly after you apply is Serious Needs Assistance, which is $750 to help pay for essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies. There are other forms of assistance that you may qualify to receive once you apply for disaster assistance. As your application continues to be reviewed, you may still receive additional forms of assistance for other needs such as support for temporary housing and home repair costs. Learn more about the types of assistance available. If you have questions about your disaster assistance application and what you qualify for, contact us at 1-800-621-3362 to speak with a FEMA representative.

X users reacted to FEMA’s ‘rumor control’:

According to Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), whistleblowers alleged that FEMA has wasted taxpayer dollars, misappropriated funds, and left local responders without deployment orders in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

The Florida congressman described the whistleblower allegations in a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Whistleblowers Allege FEMA Wasted Taxpayer Funds, Left Local Responders Without Deployment Orders

"There are many dangerous, misleading rumors spreading about #Helene response, which can actively prevent survivors from getting help. Our top priority is ensuring that disaster assistance is reaching people in need," FEMA spokesperson Jaclyn Rothenberg said.

"@FEMA does not ask for donations. We do encourage people who want to help volunteer with or donate cash to reputable organizations working on the ground to purchase exactly what is needed," she continued.

"After a disaster, cash is often the best way to help as it provides the greatest flexibility for these reputable organizations working on the ground to purchase exactly what is needed," she added.

"@FEMA is not taking donations meant for #Helene survivors. Rumors of FEMA armed guard stopping vehicles with donations, or taking donations from organizations are false. Voluntary agencies that specialize in handling donations are active on the ground in areas affected by Helene," she continued.

 

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