FEMA Assistance for Florence/Michael

In case you have questions from survivors who have registered with FEMA and may need hotel information.

http://www.femaevachotels.com/index.php

HURRICANE FLORENCE INFORMATION

• Please visit FEMA’s Hurricane Florence page (https://www.fema.gov/hurricane-florence) for additional information. 
• See our Florence Rumor Control page (https://www.fema.gov/florence-rumors) to check any questionable information.

KEY MESSAGING FOR SURVIVORS

Safety and Security

• Stay Alert! The next 24 to 48 hours will be crucial as rivers will crest in the next few days.
• Follow the direction of local officials. Dangerous flooding continues; don’t try to return home until local authorities say it is safe to do so.
• Keep children out of flood water.  Flood waters may contain hazardous materials or dangerous animals.  Do not attempt to walk, swim, wade or drive through flood waters.

Food Safety

• Make sure food is safe to eat.  Never taste food to determine if it’s safe to eat.  Food may have spoiled if refrigeration was lost during power outage.  Throw away any food that touched flood water. 
• Keep children out of flood water.  Flood waters may contain hazardous materials or dangerous animals. 
• Start the recovery process.  If you have insurance, and it’s safe to return home, call your insurance company to file a claim.  Take photos and videos of all damages before you start cleaning up. 
• Extreme heat and humidity can be dangerous.  Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, and take frequent rest breaks.

HOW TO HELP

• Never forget – CASH IS BEST!  A financial contribution to a recognized disaster relief organization is the most effective donation to make. 
• Join a team!  Do not travel to the affected area to volunteer without first connecting with an established voluntary organization.  This can put you in danger, slow first responders, and fill lodging needed by survivors.

DISABILITIES AND ACCESS AND FUNCTIONAL NEEDS

• Accessible videos for people with disabilities, and others with access and functional needs, are available via FEMA’s webpage at: https://www.fema.gov/resources-people-disabilities-access-functional-needs.
• HHS is working with state and local officials to monitor health needs, particularly for people who rely on dialysis and electrically-powered medical equipment.
• The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Civil Rights issued guidance on how to ensure equal access for people with access and functional needs in shelters and facilities during disasters.

BEWARE OF DISASTER FRAUD!

Unfortunately, criminals can exploit disasters, such as Hurricane Florence, for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions.  Tips should be reported to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at (866) 720-5721.  The line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, e-mails can be sent to disaster@leo.gov.  Learn more about the NCDF at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and or watch the public service announcement posted online here.  Additional tips on how to avoid being victimized of fraud are posted on the Department of Justice’s website.

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