‘This is false.’ FEMA responds to Hurricane Helene rumors, scams.

As rumors and misinformation continue to plague social media feeds and infiltrate communities devastated by Hurricane Helene, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has launched a web page in response to dispel some of the more common claims related to ongoing response and recovery efforts.
The federal agency typically uses a rumor response page in the wake of natural disasters to circulate critical information to survivors, a release noted, as false or misleading claims can confuse survivors and prevent them from seeking help.
FEMA launches site to address rumors
Fact check: Is image of former President Trump wading through Hurricane Helene waters real?
Fact check: Did President Biden say he is not giving any more funds to Hurricane Helene victims?
Amid ongoing response and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the rumor response page provides accurate information about the agency and explains federal disaster assistance programs and their processes.
Here’s a closer look at 5 common rumors and facts:
The agency has enough money for immediate response and recovery needs, the release noted.
Its Disaster Relief Fund can support immediate response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene’s destruction throughout the Southeast region.
Disaster survivors may receive an upfront, flexible payment of $750, known as Serious Needs Assistance, soon after they apply to purchase essential items like food, water, baby formula, medication and other emergency supplies.
However, as applications continue to be reviewed, people may receive additional forms of assistance for other needs like temporary housing, personal property and home repair costs, the release noted.
Unsure of what you may qualify for or have questions about a disaster assistance application?
Contact 1-800-621-3362 to speak with a FEMA representative in your language.
According to the release, FEMA does not ask for or accept any cash donations or volunteers.
Anyone claiming to represent FEMA and asking for donations is likely a scam, as government employees are not authorized to solicit money or donations.
Officials encourage people to volunteer or donate cash to reputable, voluntary or charitable organizations.
To connect with a volunteer organization involved in Hurricane Helene response, visit www.nvoad.org. 
Money is not being diverted from disaster response needs, the release said.
The Disaster Relief Fund is a dedicated fund for disaster efforts. Funding for communities to support migrants has nothing to do with this fund and its resources have not been diverted to other non-disaster related efforts.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency does not take donations and/or food from survivors or voluntary organizations, conduct vehicle stops or handle road closures with armed guards.
Voluntary agencies handle donations, while local law enforcement conducts vehicle stops and road closures.
FEMA officials urge communities to find trusted sources of information, share information from trusted sources and discourage others from sharing information from unverified sources.
For more information on these and other rumors, visit fema.gov/disaster/current/hurricane-helene/rumor-response.
Katie Nixon can be reached at [email protected].