Hurricane Rumor Response

Rumors and misleading information can spread quickly after any disaster. Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we have seen many rumors that have the potential to seriously hamper storm response efforts or prevent people from getting assistance quickly.

Help keep yourself, your family and your community safe by being aware of rumors and scams and sharing official information from trusted sources. You can get official information on Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

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. 

Rumors

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

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.

alert - info

Learn more about how to help after a disaster: How to Help After Hurricane Helene

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

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.

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.

Last updated
Return to top