Sara Fischer: FEMA chief issues dire warning on hurricane disinformation

This piece is by WWSG exclusive thought leader, Sara Fischer.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warned Tuesday that falsehoods related to hurricanes are significantly impeding their response efforts, and putting hundreds of thousands of lives at risk as Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida and others pick up the pieces from Hurricane Helene.

Why it matters: Amid one ongoing natural disaster, and with another on the horizon, the federal agency took time from preparation and response efforts to caution the public about rampant misinformation.

• Former President Trump and others in the GOP have amplified claims that FEMA’s response to Helene was biased against Republicans and that money for those impacted by the storm was diverted to housing for illegal immigrants.
• On Tuesday, FEMA launched a fact-checking page regarding its storm response to Hurricane Helene.

Driving the news: Tuesday’s press briefing was dedicated specifically to combatting mis- and disinformation.

• FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell said the level of disinformation has hit a level “that I’ve never seen before.”
• “I anticipated some of this, but not to the extent that we’re seeing this,” Criswell said.
• Hours after she spoke, President Biden called the stream of disinformation “un-American,” noting it’s coming at a time when “people are scared to death. People know their lives are at stake, all that they’ve worked for, all that they own, all that they value.”

State of play: Mis- and disinformation are not only impacting the morale of first responders on the ground but deterring people from applying for critical aid that could provide crucial storm assistance, Criswell noted.

• “If it creates so much fear that my staff doesn’t want to go out in the field, then we’re not going to be in a position where we can help people,” she added. “I worry that they won’t apply for assistance, which means I can’t get them the necessary items they need to support them.”

Between the lines: Criswell said the agency has not yet confirmed whether foreign actors are responsible for spreading disinformation about Helene, but noted they spread falsehoods following the Maui wildfires last year.

• She repeatedly denounced falsehoods repeated by Trump and fellow Republicans about FEMA’s recovery funding, saying, “This constant narrative is more about politics than truly helping people.”

• “I’m frankly disappointed that we’re still having to have this conversation. I’ve talked to local officials on the ground, they are pushing back on this narrative.”

Zoom in: Falsehoods about FEMA’s disaster response are creating a broader lack of trust in federal and state first responders, Criswell said.

• She debunked any false rumors that local law enforcement hasn’t been welcoming of FEMA aid.
• “Sheriffs are not turning our folks away,” she said. “In fact, the sheriffs have been some of our biggest supporters, and making sure that we’re getting the resources in and helping to dispel some of the rumors.”

What to watch: As the death toll from Hurricane Helene reaches 227, FEMA warns that Milton could be just as, if not more, catastrophic.

• Amid that uncertainty, there’s a chance confused residents in areas impacted by the storms could inadvertently spread falsehoods in a bid to find answers and solutions to problems.
• In the wake of Hurricane Helene, online rumors about the safety of drinking water and the security of critical dams spread, causing unnecessary evacuation efforts and cautionary measures.