Rumors are starting to get in the way of recovery efforts post Hurricane Helene. In this article, we set the record straight
It was late Friday morning, the 27th of September, and the world – at least the world in the mountains – was under siege by a torrent of rainfall that was nearly apocalyptic in scope.
Leaders on all levels were trying to get the word out through any avenue possible. New agencies, TV, radio, internet and social media all were carrying potentially life-saving messages about flooding, failing dams and more. It was – at that moment – the best of what the internet can do. People were being informed almost instantly of the burgeoning disaster.
IN THIS ARTICLE
The rumors begin
But in that process, a photo crossed my feed, one that I shared without thinking. It was supposed to show a prominent roadway washed out. But I soon learned it was an old photo someone shared with information claiming it was current.
I was reminded at that moment that I very much don’t understand the online world in which we live. People’s lives were at stake, and someone took the time to post a lie. No one would be hurt because they saw that photo and thought the road had washed out. But what was the point? What did they get out of that?
I wish I could tell you it was an isolated incident. The truth is the uncertainty and chaos of the last week have proven fruitful ground for deceitful people to plant the seeds of their lies and watch them spread like Kudzu. Then, the people in charge of rescue and relief efforts have to take the time to stop the important work they are doing to refute out-of-control rumors.
And not only are these rumors and lies are taking time away from people responding to the crisis, they’re making people hesitant to volunteer. They’re making people in dire need of aid hesitant to reach out to the very people who are charged with helping them.
Glenn Jacobs – the Republican mayor of Knox County who in his professional life was the wrestler known as Kane – took to X.com to tell people to knock it off. “To my knowledge, FEMA, TEMA, nor anyone else is confiscating supplies. Please quit spreading those rumors as they are counterproductive to response efforts,” he said.
So, let’s address some of the rumors. Below are the six most dangerous rumors about Helene’s recovery and relief and the real truth behind them.
1. The government has seized Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock, North Carolina is one of the hardest-hit areas in the mountains. The devastation there is heartbreaking. That the good people at the Rutherford County EMA had to take time from their important work to refute a litany of rumors is nearly criminal.
But there wasn’t a secret meeting of government agencies intent on seizing the town. Local, state and federal officials did meet and discuss ways to get much-needed state and federal support to the town.
“Our focus is solely on recovery, safety, and providing support to those affected by the storm. There have been no discussions or actions taken by the federal, state, or local government related to property seizure in Chimney Rock or any other part of Rutherford County,” officials said in a release.
FEMA also released a statement refuting this specific rumor and others about land being seized. “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,” FEMA said in a statement.
2. State and federal agencies hate volunteers
In the immediate aftermath of the storm, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency released a statement that set people’s blood boiling. Essentially, it said no volunteers. Just donate money. Now, having covered hurricanes and disasters before, I knew what they meant. But the statement wasn’t worded well and left room for misunderstandings. TEMA has since cleaned up the statement several times, but the skepticism remains strong.
The anti-volunteer rumor wasn’t just a Tennessee problem. We turn again to our friends in Rutherford County, NC.
“While we deeply appreciate the community’s willingness to help, volunteer aid in the Chimney Rock area is not needed at this immediate time,” they wrote in the release. “Professional contractors are currently working to clear roads and debris, which is a necessary first step to create safe conditions for any future volunteer efforts. We will communicate when additional hands are needed and welcome volunteers once it is safe to do so.”
Will this happen? I’ve seen it in my home county where local EMA officials put the word out that volunteers were needed for physical work in helping with flood cleanup. I promise that when more volunteers are needed, they will ask for them.
3. Donated supplies are being stolen or confiscated by the government
Mayor Jacobs already helped us a bit with this one, but let’s elaborate. The response – both from agencies and private organizations like churches and others – has been awe-inspiring, uplifting and amazing. It is a testament to the quality of the human spirit just how much people have rallied to give. But it also has been overwhelming.
The Cocke County Emergency Management Agency released a statement expressing sincere gratitude for the giving. They plainly stated that it exceeded anything in their response protocols. What does that mean? It means that some donated items may be moved, rerouted or sent to other communities where the need is greater.
For example, I know of a massive effort to get bottled water to a community in need. Two tractor-trailers were acquired and driven to this place. However, it was more than they needed. One truck stayed and was unloaded there. Another was rerouted to a place where it was needed. Luckily, communication was strong, and all understood what was happening. But, if someone just happened to see a trailer full of water being taken back out of the community, there is the possibility of misunderstanding.
Here is FEMA’s official statement:
“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 voluntary agencies that specialize in storing, sorting, cleaning and distributing donated items.
4. “They” have weather-controlling machines to lower voter turnout
There’s a rumor that Hurricane Helene was created in an attempt to affect the election by lowering turnout. This rumor – backed by a member of the U.S. Congress – is as insidious as it is nonsensical. Setting aside the question of who is the “they” of which they speak, the storm did not only affect people of one political ideology or the other. If you assert that someone created this storm to dull Republican turnout – which was the clear implication – then striking Asheville – one of the most Democratic communities in the South – would be a gargantuan blunder.
5. FEMA does not have enough money to provide disaster assistance for Helene
I understand this one, a bit. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas did issue a sobering warning that FEMA did not have the funds to last through hurricane season. If you only read the headline or glanced at the story, you might think he meant enough for its response to Helene.
However, if you listen to or read the full text of his message, Mayorkas was talking about what would happen if more storms struck the U.S. this hurricane season. With at least two more brewing in the Atlantic, it certainly is possible. However, Mayorkas and FEMA have said there is enough funding for current needs. “If you were affected by Helene, do not hesitate to apply for disaster assistance as there is a variety of help available for different needs.”
6. Funding for FEMA disaster response was diverted to support international efforts
“This is false,” FEMA said. “No money is being diverted from disaster response needs. FEMA’s disaster response efforts and individual assistance are funded through the Disaster Relief Fund, which is a dedicated fund for disaster efforts. Disaster Relief Fund money has not been diverted to other, non-disaster related efforts.”
I understand that for some people, FEMA’s answer won’t be good enough. They do not trust the government. There’s nothing FEMA can say that they will believe. However, Republican and Democratic governors have said they are getting any and everything they ask for. Again, right here in East Tennessee, the Cocke County EMA director said the response from various agencies has been above what was expected.
What can we do?
Check your calibrations on when to have a little trust and when to apply a little skepticism. Too often we are quick to believe the most outlandish lie and slow to believe the most basic truth. And I get it. People have good reasons to have a natural skepticism about their government. But, over the years, we’ve seen examples of heroic response in the face of cataclysmic disasters.
Some men and women are breaking their backs, working 16 to 18 hours a day to help strangers put their lives back together. The least we can do is cut some slack and show some understanding.
Where to donate
There are a lot of ways we can support the relief and recovery efforts in the mountains. If you’re unsure of which one to support, we have one infallible mantra: “What Would Dolly Do?” Dolly Parton announced she’s donating a million of her own dollars and another million from her businesses and partners to the Mountain Ways Foundation.
Mountain Ways is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the hospitality and values of the Appalachian region to those facing natural disasters across the country. Inspired by the community spirit that helped bring together neighbors and friends to support each other during the 2016 Great Smoky Mountain wildfires, Mountain Ways is dedicated to taking the values of the mountain community and giving back.
Also, if you’re looking for a smaller operation that needs support, we have a strong relationship with Empower Cocke County and can vouch for the work being done there.
There are several ways you can help. They include:
- Monetary donations: To donate money, please visit their website and click on “Support Us.” In the memo or note section, write “Flood.”
- In-kind donations: Empower Cocke County is also accepting item donations. New, clean items are preferred, but all donations are welcome. For daily updates on drop-off times and locations for item donations, please follow Empower Cocke County and TheSmokies.com on Facebook.
- Share the message: if you can’t donate at this time, consider helping by sharing the message. While there remains work to be done, the Empower Cocke County team remains on the job, helping in the recovery.
What if I need help?
Finally, if you need assistance and are in a federally designated disaster area, you can go online anytime at disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 between 7 am and 11 pm. Multilingual operators are available.
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