FEMA

                                     on

                 Hurricane Rumor Response

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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

 

 

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Search by Topic- Any -Hurricane Helene Hurricane Milton

Rumor: I will not be eligible for FEMA assistance if I don’t have access to essential utilities but my home has no disaster damage.

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. 

October 14, 2024

Rumor: FEMA is preventing residents and companies from removing debris in hurricane-affected areas.

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.

October 13, 2024

Rumor: FEMA controls or manages transfer stations, dump sites and contracts related to storm debris.

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.

October 11, 2024

Rumor: FEMA will automatically provide $1200 if you have been without power for 24 hours.

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.

October 11, 2024

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

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.

October 9, 2024

Rumor: FEMA is blockading people in Florida and preventing evacuations.

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.

October 8, 2024

Rumor: FEMA only provides loans to disaster survivors.

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.

October 6, 2024

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​To learn more from FAA use this link:

https://www.faa.gov/airtraffic/flightinfo/hurricaneseason/operating-near-hurricane-helene-recovery-efforts

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Últimas actualizaciones sobre personas sin hogar

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Bienvenido a nuestra sección de noticias, donde lo mantenemos informado sobre desarrollos recientes y esfuerzos en curso en la lucha contra las personas sin hogar.

Nuestro objetivo es resaltar historias clave que arrojen luz sobre los desafíos que enfrentan quienes no tienen hogar y las iniciativas que se están tomando para ayudarlos.

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1. Tendencias nacionales en personas sin hogar Manténgase actualizado con las últimas estadísticas y tendencias de todo el país. Comprender la magnitud de la falta de vivienda y los factores que la impulsan, desde las crisis económicas hasta las fluctuaciones del mercado inmobiliario.

2. Historias de éxito locales Lea sobre iniciativas locales que han brindado apoyo y vivienda con éxito a las personas sin hogar en nuestra comunidad. Estas historias muestran el impacto de los esfuerzos colectivos y los enfoques innovadores para marcar una diferencia tangible.

3. Cambios de políticas y promoción Mantenga un registro de las nuevas políticas que se implementan y cómo afectan a la población sin hogar. Conozca el trabajo de promoción que se está realizando para impulsar mejores sistemas de apoyo y protecciones legales.

4. Cómo puedes ayudar Descubre cómo puedes contribuir a la causa. Ya sea como voluntario, donando o simplemente creando conciencia, cada pequeña acción cuenta. Proporcionamos actualizaciones periódicas sobre eventos, campañas y otras formas de participar.

5. Perspectivas educativas Obtenga conocimientos más profundos sobre las causas fundamentales de la falta de vivienda y los desafíos que enfrentan quienes viven sin una vivienda estable. Comprender estas cuestiones es crucial para fomentar la empatía e impulsar el cambio.

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Los CDC sobre salud.

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Comprender el brote de influenza aviar H5N1

Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) están monitoreando activamente la situación en torno a la gripe aviar H5N1. Los casos recientes en Texas y una nueva guía veterinaria para el manejo de gatos potencialmente expuestos al virus resaltan la preocupación y vigilancia continuas necesarias para manejar esta amenaza a la salud.

Ahora los veterinarios cuentan con directrices específicas para evaluar y gestionar los casos de felinos que podrían haber entrado en contacto con el virus H5N1, garantizando la seguridad de la salud humana y animal.

Dado que la gripe aviar continúa detectándose tanto en aves silvestres como comerciales, es fundamental que los funcionarios de salud pública y las comunidades se mantengan informados y preparados. Las actualizaciones de los CDC brindan una descripción general completa de la propagación del virus, sus impactos en las aves de corral y la vida silvestre, y recomendaciones para prevenir la transmisión.

Para obtener información más detallada y actualizaciones periódicas, visite la página dedicada a la influenza aviar de los CDC.