After a Disaster, Misinformation Abounds
Release Date: January 23, 2006
Release Number: 1605-166
» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina
MONTGOMERY , Ala. -- While the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency are working to help Hurricane Katrina victims with their recovery, often misinformed and sometimes unscrupulous individuals give out misleading information.
After a disaster there may be reasons people listen to bad advice; they are distraught and vulnerable. Victims should have correct information about assistance programs so they can get the help they need.
The following are some example of misleading information :
FALSE : All home repair or contract work will be paid by FEMA.
THE FACTS :
- Grants are available to qualified homeowners to repair damage from the disaster to their primary residence when insurance does not cover all the costs.
- FEMA does not pay to return your home to its condition before the disaster.
FALSE : All items purchased during recovery can be reimbursed by FEMA.
THE FACTS:
- Grants are available to qualified applicants for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster.
- Medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation, moving and storage expenses are deemed eligible under other needs assistance.
FALSE : There is a "processing fee" during registration.
THE FACTS:
- There is no processing fee for assistance.
- FEMA officials will never ask victims for money for any service they provide.
FALSE : Only business owners are eligible for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan.
THE FACTS:
- Businesses, homeowners and renters may apply for these disaster loans to pay recovery costs not covered by insurance.
- Homeowners may apply for Real Property Loans of up to $200,000 to repair or restore a main residence to its pre-disaster condition. Second homes or vacation properties are not eligible for these loans.
Individuals should contact FEMA if they have questions about recovery assistance by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585, or visit www.fema.gov .
Last Modified: Tuesday, 24-Jan-2006 08:29:55