Call it misinformation, alternative facts or straight up lies. The messaging going out regarding FEMA assistance is causing a great deal of harm to those who need it. We need this to stop.
“That kind of misinformation gets out there, and whether it’s perpetrated by a politician or someone you think is someone of note and authority, it is wrong and it is bull and it cannot be tolerated,” Neil Cavuto - Fox News
Hurricane Helene made landfall Sept. 26, tearing through parts of Florida and Georgia and North Carolina, ultimately causing more than 230 deaths. Hurricane Milton made landfall on October 10, near Sarasota, Fla., bringing high winds, numerous tornadoes and deadly floodwaters.
Rightwing figures are using these storms not only to sow doubt, but to rally the troops against the people they allege are trying to prevent them from voting for Trump.
“They’re seeing this misinformation, they’re believing it, and they feel like Fema is against them,” she said. “I’ve seen people call for civil war, and then I’ve seen explicit calls to unalive Fema personnel, or saying that Fema personnel can be arrested or shot or hanged on the spot.” Abby Richard’s -Media Matters of America.
So if your MAGA friends start disseminating lies, go ahead FACT CHECK THEM.
FEMA provided $750 to those impacted by the hurricanes as up front monies because the citizens couldn’t get to banks, they had no power service and needed cash on hand immediately.
Cavuto closed the interview by noting that the aid is not “a one-shot, that’s all” situation; its money FEMA provides upfront to survivors of the storms.
“It’s a way for people to get hands on cash they desperately need, not the only money they will ever get or hope to get,” said the anchor.
Let’s stop the lies as soon as they come out.
How to apply for FEMA aid
There are three ways to apply for FEMA assistance.
Call the toll-free number: 800-621-FEMA (3362). Calls are accepted every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. across time zones, and help is available in many languages.
Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using use the FEMA App. Applying online could be the fastest way for people who have access to Wi-Fi and whose electronic devices have power.
Visit a Disaster Recovery Center in person. A list of open locations can be found at fema.gov/drc.
CellyBlue - I Do Know This!
YES-FEMA IS AVAILABLE TO HELP