Common Disaster-Related Rumors

There often are many rumors and scams after a disaster. Do your part to stop the spread of rumors by doing three easy things: 

  1. Find trusted sources of information. 
  2. Share information from trusted sources. 
  3. Discourage others from sharing information from unverified sources. 
A flooded street with a house and a rescue boat rescuing 2 people

Hurricane Rumor Response

Keep your community safe by being aware of common rumors about hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Review Rumors

Rumors

alert - info

Learn more about common disaster scams and how to report fraud.

Use the dropdown menu to filter by the type of question or type in a keyword.

Rumor: I will receive reimbursement for my eligible lodging expenses immediately.

This is not true. Your timeline can vary because requests are manually reviewed. For example, in larger scale disasters with many applicants, reimbursement of receipts may take longer.

Rumor: If I have insurance, I can’t be reimbursed for lodging expenses.

It depends. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits of insurance. If insurance does not cover the entire cost of your lodging expenses during a disaster, you may still be eligible for reimbursement.

Rumor: FEMA may be able to reimburse me for lodging expenses if I’m displaced from my primary residence.

FEMA may be able to provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket lodging expenses that are not covered by insurance benefits. A resident’s pre-disaster primary residence must be unlivable or inaccessible to be considered.

Keep copies of your receipts so you can file them along with your disaster assistance application.

Last updated
Return to top