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. 
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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

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This is not true. Eligible expenses under TSA may include the cost of the room and taxes charged by a hotel or other lodging provider. This does not include costs for food, phone calls, transportation or other miscellaneous expenses.

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.

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.

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.

This is not true. Flood insurance is available to homeowners, renters, condos and businesses. 

Visit the National Flood Insurance Program page for more information.

This is not true. A flood insurance policy covers you during different flood events. FEMA disaster assistance is only available when a federal disaster is declared by the president.  Additionally, grants provided by FEMA are not always enough to cover all losses.

Visit the National Flood Insurance Program page for more information.

Generally, FEMA provides all eligible assistance to one application to assist all members of the pre-disaster household. However, FEMA will evaluate the unique needs of eligible survivors to include households that may be separated due to the disaster, households made up of roommates, or when there is a financial relationship between an owner living in a home with boarders or renters.

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