Hurricane Rumor Response

This is false.

While taking steps to ensure the safety of our staff and the people we are trying to help, we continued to support the communities affected by Helene.

On October 12, 2024, FEMA was made aware of a potential threat to our staff in North Carolina. We made the decision to shift from sending FEMA disaster survivors assistance teams into neighborhoods to knock on doors to stationing teams at neighborhood locations where they could still meet and work with disaster survivors to help them get assistance. This decision was made through our usual field operations processes to ensure FEMA staff are safe and able to focus on helping disaster survivors.

We worked closely with local law enforcement and state officials throughout this process and announced on October 14 that FEMA teams will soon resume door-to-door survivor assistance.

FEMA will continue monitoring threat information and adjust this posture on a regular basis in coordination with local officials.

This is false.  

FEMA has a variety of programs and support services available to help survivors address their unique needs and jumpstart their recovery. This includes support for survivors who may not have any visible home damage, but do not have access to water or other essential utilities.  

Eligible survivors may also receive help with temporary housing through FEMA-provided assistance like Transitional Sheltering Assistance (if approved for their location), Displacement Assistance, Rental assistance or Lodging Expense Reimbursement.

Learn more about the types of FEMA assistance available to help disaster survivors. 

This is false.

FEMA is not blocking or preventing any aspect of debris removal, which is handled by local governments. FEMA does not directly handle debris removal, hire contractors to remove debris, or manage dump sites or transfer stations. FEMA does reimburse local, state or tribal governments for their storm-related debris removal.  

If you were affected by a hurricane and are wondering how to address debris removal for your property, check with your local county or municipal government for guidelines. Volunteer organizations and companies operating in your area may also be able to help. Learn more: 9 Ways to Stay Safe Cleaning Up Debris After a Disaster.

This is false.

FEMA does not hire, manage or supervise work performed by contractors for debris removal after storms. FEMA does not control or manage dump sites or transfer stations. FEMA does reimburse local, state or tribal governments for their storm-related debris removal. However, we have no control over local laws or ordinances for debris removal that may control transfer stations, dump sites or contracts.

This is a misleading statement.

To determine what assistance you may be eligible for, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 to go through the application process. You will be asked questions during the application process about how the disaster affected you. Your application will be reviewed and you will be updated about the assistance you qualify for as it goes through the review process. Some forms of assistance may be provided sooner than others. You can check the status of your application any time by logging into DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

This is false.

This is a type of assistance that you may be approved for soon after you apply, called Serious Needs Assistance. It is an upfront, flexible payment to help cover essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies. It is NOT a loan. There are other forms of assistance that you may qualify for to receive and Serious Needs Assistance is an initial payment you may receive while FEMA assesses your eligibility for additional funds. As your application continues to be reviewed, you may still receive additional forms of assistance for other needs such as support for temporary housing, personal property and home repair costs. 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 in your language.

Note: FEMA adjusts the maximum amount of financial assistance available to disaster survivors each fiscal year, which began on October 1. The new maximum for the initial Serious Needs assistance is now $770. These maximums apply to any disasters declared on or after October 1, 2024.

This is false.

FEMA is not blockading people in Florida and preventing evacuations. FEMA does not control traffic flow or conduct traffic stops, which are handled by local authorities. This is a harmful rumor that can put lives in danger.

If you live in the west coast of Florida and the Florida peninsula, take immediate action to protect yourself and your loved ones. Follow the guidance of your local authorities. If you are ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. Delaying your evacuation can put your life and the lives of others at risk.

Local officials are the best source of information about evacuation and resources to help. Find more information: Hurricane Milton | Florida Disaster.

This is false. In most cases, FEMA grants do NOT have to be paid back.

There are some less common situations in which you may have to pay FEMA back if you receive duplicate benefits from insurance or a grant from another source. For example, if you have insurance that covers your temporary housing costs, but you ask FEMA to advance you some money to help you pay for those costs while your insurance is delayed, you will need to pay that money back to FEMA after you receive your insurance settlement.

If you are a homeowner or small business owner, low-interest disaster loans are also available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in a declared major disaster area. These loans may help with home repair or replacement, personal property, vehicles, mitigation, business losses, and working capital for small business and most private nonprofits. Learn more about SBA disaster loans.

People need to apply for assistance one time per household.  Do not re-submit or create a new application during the disaster assistance process. Submitting more than one application per disaster will cause delays.

You can check the status of your application or read any FEMA correspondence by accessing your DisasterAssistance.gov account or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

The FAA is not restricting access for recovery operations. The FAA is coordinating closely with state and local officials to make sure everyone is operating safely in very crowded and congested airspace.

Learn More from the FAA