FEMA Dispels Hurricane Sandy Rumors, Suggests Ways to Help Victims

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is reporting there is a lot of misinformation circulating on social networks related to Hurricane Sandy. Check here for an ongoing list of rumors and their true or false status.

• Nov. 3: There have been recent blog posts and social media traffic expressing that FEMA is out of bottled water.  This is FALSE. FEMA says it is providing water to its state partners for distribution.
  
  For New York locations and times of food and water distribution centers and daytime warming centers, visit www.nyc.gov.

• Nov. 3: There have been calls and posts from citizens related to the failure of the Old Bridge Township water system in Old Bridge, NJ. This is FALSE. The Old Bridge Municipal Utilities Authority (OBMUA) has reported that the water system is stable and safe and that there are no usage restrictions currently in place.

• Nov. 3: Food stamps being given out to residents of New York and New Jersey as a part of FEMA assistance. This is FALSE. If you are a survivor in a declared county, you should apply for assistance online, on a mobile device, or over the phone 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

• Nov. 2: There is a spike of traffic related to FEMA hiring cleanup crews in both New York and New Jersey. This is FALSE. For information on how you can volunteer in these communities, visit Serve.gov/sandy

For Those Who Want to Help, FEMA Recommends:

• Cash is best: The best way to support survivors of Hurricane Sandy is to make a financial contribution to a trusted organization. Please read these tips on donating and volunteering responsibly.

• Give blood: Numerous blood drives have been canceled as a result of the storm and the Red Cross has a need for blood donations. To schedule a blood donation or for more information about giving blood or platelets, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).