The Federal Emergency Management Agency arrived in Alachua County Tuesday to survey the damage wrought by Hurricane Helene, which ravaged Florida’s coast Sept. 26.
In a press release Tuesday, Alachua County said FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams will canvass the area to assess Helene's damage. DSA will visit communities designated as federal disaster areas to guide residents through the FEMA relief application process.
Harmful misinformation and conspiracy theories about the agency swirled online in Helene’s aftermath, causing widespread confusion, hindering relief efforts and fomenting violence.
The Tuesday press release states that DSA personnel will wear FEMA identification badges and never solicit or accept money. They will never ask for personal information, including social security numbers and financial records.
This message follows Alachua County’s Oct. 14 press release explaining potential post-disaster fraud. It warned that nefarious groups could be knocking on doors masquerading as federal agents.
To verify the legitimacy of FEMA teams, the public can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
At the Alachua County Commission meeting Tuesday, commissioners voted unanimously to increase funding for Hurricane Helene debris pickup.
The commission agreed to have a budget of no more than $12 million until money from FEMA is received. The original budget was $4 million.
Sofia Meyers contributed to this report.
Contact Natalie Kaufman at nkaufman@alligator.org. Follow her on X @Nat_Kauf.
Natalie Kaufman is a sophomore journalism student and the Alligator's Fall 2024 Metro General Assignment reporter. In her free time, she likes drinking copious amounts of caffeine and running.
