Mr. Ben LaBolt, Senior Advisor to the President and Director of Communications, Mr. Christian Thom, Director of Digital Strategy
Under the direction of President Biden and Vice President Harris, the Administration mobilized a strong, focused, whole-of-government effort to respond to the effects of Hurricane Helen. This includes extensive pre-landfall preparations and the immediate deployment of additional resources and personnel to affected communities. More than 6,400 federal personnel are on the ground, and more than $110 million in federal assistance has been provided to survivors, with more on the way. We are dedicating resources to ensuring that communities across the Southeast have quick access to federal resources that allow them to purchase essential items and begin the path to recovery and rebuilding.
Unfortunately, as our response and recovery efforts continue, we are seeing a significant increase in misinformation circulating online related to the federal government’s response to Hurricane Helen. Many scammers, malicious actors and others seeking to sow chaos that they believe will serve their political interests are spreading disinformation about recovery efforts, including how to access critical and life-saving resources. We are spreading it. This is wrong, dangerous and should stop immediately.
Combating misinformation and disinformation is always important, but especially important when responding to disasters like Hurricane Helen. In fact, misinformation spread after hurricanes and other natural disasters can discourage people from seeking critical assistance when they need it most. It is essential to encourage affected residents to register for FEMA assistance, rather than allowing falsehoods to spread and discouraging registration.
Leaders across the country, including local, state and federal elected officials from both parties, are pleading with the public to stop sharing “this junk.”
CNN: As misinformation swirls in the aftermath of Hurricane Helen, authorities urge residents to ‘stop talking about this conspiracy theory nonsense’ HuffPost: North Carolina Republican Party calls for an end to right-wing conspiracy theories about Helen disaster recovery The Hill: Tennessee mayor talks about FEMA attack after Helen: ‘Please stop spreading rumors like that’ WVLT: ‘A lot of misinformation’ | Governor Lee, FEMA addresses donation rumors
Here are some of the falsehoods being spread online and the facts we are fighting back against.
FALSE: Disaster relief funds were used illegally against U.S. immigrants.
Fact: No funds are diverted to disaster response needs. none. FEMA’s disaster response operations and individual assistance are funded through the Disaster Relief Fund, a fund dedicated to disaster operations. Disaster Relief Fund funds are not diverted to other non-disaster-related efforts.
Washington Post: No, Biden didn’t take FEMA relief money to spend on immigrants, but Trump did NBC News: False claims about FEMA disaster funds and immigration pushed by Trump CNN: ‘This is false’ : White House requests relief in response to Trump’s FEMA disaster
False: FEMA is confiscating property of Helen survivors. If I apply for disaster assistance and my land is determined to be uninhabitable, my property will be seized.
Fact: FEMA cannot seize your property or land. Applying for disaster assistance does not give FEMA or the federal government any title or ownership of your property or land.
Verification: No, the government is not taking over the land in Chimney Rock, North Carolina and bulldozing the town.
FALSE: FEMA only provides $750 in recovery assistance to disaster survivors.
Fact: This is a type of assistance that may be approved quickly after application and is called “serious assistance.” This is an upfront, flexible payment to cover essentials such as food, water, formula, breastfeeding supplies, medicine, and other emergency supplies. There are many other forms of assistance you may be eligible to receive, including Critical Needs Assistance, which is the first payment you may receive while FEMA evaluates your eligibility for additional funds. The $750 is immediately available to eligible survivors. In addition, survivors may be eligible for additional financial assistance from FEMA, including repairing storm damage to homes and property, finding a temporary place to stay, and compensation for lost crops and livestock.
FALSE: FEMA and FAA restrict airspace in North Carolina, preventing civilian delivery relief.
Fact: Airspace restrictions are not in place in North Carolina as relief efforts continue in the aftermath of Hurricane Helen. Pilots attempting to arrive at Asheville or Rutherford airports must contact the airport to obtain permission to land. The FAA is working with local authorities to ensure the rescue operation is conducted safely.
The Biden-Harris administration continues to work to inform the public about response and recovery efforts to dispel misinformation being shared through official White House digital channels, with more information on X than on other platforms. The quantity is large. Updates on the amount and scope of federal aid provided will continue to be shared.
The Biden-Harris administration is also working to engage trusted online publishers and influencers with FEMA as a way to meet people where they are and provide accurate information. One example of this partnership includes Meidas Touch. Trump’s lie was quickly debunked by a FEMA spokesperson. This digital video resulted in reach in both digital and traditional media, including local newspapers in Alabama to combat misinformation.
In addition, the White House will leverage an opt-in SMS messaging platform to share messages with people in affected areas. SMS is a more resilient form of communication where data connections may still be restored, and it uses all parts of digital communication to contact people who need information or assistance. Here’s a further example.
For more information on Hurricane Helene falsehoods and facts, visit: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/current/hurricane-helene/rumor-response
###