Anytime, there’s a huge natural disaster – like Hurricane Helene’s hit on Western North Carolina and nearby areas in other states – there’s always a lot of confusion and rumors, especially when, as in this case, much of the communications infrastructure has been destroyed and a lot of information is therefore incomplete, inaccurate or being spread by word from one hurricane victim to another.

Adding to the confusion is that the deeply divided country is one month away from an election and since absolutely everything is politicized right now, the same goes for storm relief.

This time around, the Federal Emergency Management Agency – better known as  “FEMA,” has felt a need to post information addressing multiple rumors that have been gaining traction in the wake of the storm.

For instance, one rumor is this: Applying multiple times for disaster assistance will speed up the process of being approved.

The fact, according to agency officials, is that people only need to apply for assistance one time per household.  Actually, filling out and sending in more than one application per disaster can cause delays rather than speed things up.

Here are some other rumors along with FEMA’s responses….

Rumor: The FAA is restricting access to the airspace for Helene rescue and recovery operations.

The fact, according to FEMA, is that the FAA isn’t restricting access for recovery operations.

“The FAA is coordinating closely with state and local officials to make sure everyone is operating safely in very crowded and congested airspace,” the agency states.

Rumor: FEMA distributes aid based on demographic characteristics.

Fact: “FEMA provides assistance to survivors regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.”

Rumor: FEMA is in the process of confiscating Helene survivor property. If I apply for disaster assistance and my land is deemed unlivable, my property will be seized.

Fact: “FEMA cannot seize your property or land. Applying for disaster assistance does not grant FEMA or the federal government authority or ownership of your property or land.”

The agency goes on to state that, when you apply for disaster assistance, a FEMA inspector might be sent to verify the damage of your home to help determine what kind of disaster assistance you might be eligible for. If the inspection finds that your home is uninhabitable, that information is used only to decide the amount of FEMA assistance you may receive to make your home “safe, sanitary and functional.”

Rumor: FEMA is no longer accepting applications for housing assistance.

Agency officials state that FEMA is still accepting assistance applications for all the areas affected by Helene. You can visit disasterassistance.gov to get more information.

Rumor: FEMA does not have enough money to provide disaster assistance for Helene.

Currently, FEMA has enough money for its immediate response and recovery efforts related to the storm. Agency officials say that anyone affected by Helene shouldn’t hesitate to apply for disaster assistance. There are a variety of types of help available for those with different needs.

Rumor: Funding for FEMA disaster response was diverted to support international efforts or border related issues.

FEMA states that no money is being diverted from disaster response needs. FEMA’s disaster response and assistance is funded from the Disaster Relief Fund, That’s a dedicated fund for disaster efforts. Disaster Relief Fund money hasn’t been diverted to other, non-disaster related efforts.

Rumor: FEMA is asking for cash donations and turning away volunteers.

FEMA responds, “This is false: FEMA does not ask for or generally accept any cash donations or volunteers for disaster response. We do encourage people who want to help to volunteer with or donate cash to reputable voluntary or charitable organizations. After a disaster, cash is often the best way to help as it provides the greatest flexibility for these reputable organizations working on the ground to purchase exactly what is needed.”

If you find somebody claiming to represent FEMA asking you for a donation, that is likely a scam. FEMA employees will never solicit money.

Rumor: FEMA is confiscating donations meant for survivors.

There are often rumors about FEMA turning away donations, stopping trucks or vehicles with donations, confiscating and seizing supplies often spread after a disaster. These are all false.

FEMA does not take donations and/or food from survivors or voluntary organizations. Donations of food, water, or other goods are handled by volunteer agencies that specialize in storing, sorting, cleaning, and distributing donated items.

Also, FEMA doesn’t conduct vehicle stops or handle road closures with armed guards – that’s done by local law enforcement.

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

This is false, according to FEMA, this is a type of assistance that you may be approved for soon after you apply. It’s called “Serious Needs Assistance,” which is merely a quick, upfront, flexible payment that’s meant to help cover essential items like food, water, baby formula, medication, etc.

As the application review process continues, you can still receive additional forms of assistance for needs such as support for temporary housing, personal property and home repair costs.