California Wildfires Fact vs. Myth
When disaster strikes, some will try to take advantage of the most vulnerable. To dispel some of the rumors circulating on the internet and social media about recovery efforts following the 2018 California Wildfires, FEMA is addressing the most common and reoccurring themes:
MYTH: FEMA will repair private roads in Butte County damaged by debris removal trucks and heavy equipment.
- FACT: FEMA has no authority to repair damage to private roads, including damage caused by debris removal trucks and/or heavy equipment.
MYTH: FEMA will provide survivors a Tiny House.
- FACT: Under the Direct Housing program, FEMA may provide manufactured houses or travel trailers to qualified survivors and survivor families as a last resort for temporary housing when no other options are available.
- FACT: FEMA does not accept requests for temporary housing; FEMA determines which applicants qualify based on the information given at the time of registration. Case managers directly contact individuals and families who qualify for housing.
- FACT: Survivors whose housing situation has changed since he/she originally registered need to update their information by either logging on to: www.disasterassistance.gov, or by calling the FEMA Helpline at: (800) 621-3362.
MYTH: FEMA temporary housing communities will provide shelter for FEMA employees and the pre-disaster homeless.
- FACT: FEMA temporary housing is available only to qualified disaster survivors.
- FACT: Eligible disaster survivors are those who have lost their home or rental property in a disaster and have no other housing options available.
MYTH: FEMA is managing all aspects of the debris removal mission in Butte County.
- FACT: FEMA is funding eligible and approved Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) for qualified applicants in Butte County.
- FACT: Cal-Recycle is responsible for administering, overseeing and obtaining contracts for the removal of the debris.
All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).
FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.