MAINE, USA —
THE QUESTION
Is FEMA or MEMA sending people door-to-door to give out fliers about disaster recovery?
THE SOURCES
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
THE ANSWER
Yes, FEMA is traveling door-to-door in neighborhoods in Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford, and Somerset counties to notify people who may have been impacted by the Dec. 17-21 storm damage about how to report the damage.
WHAT WE FOUND
NEWS CENTER Maine spoke with FEMA spokesperson Jann Tracey, who confirmed that Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams with FEMA are working to help Maine residents impacted by the declared disaster.
MEMA spokesperson Vanessa Corson told NEWS CENTER Maine it is only FEMA teams going door-to-door, and not MEMA teams, noting that the MEMA staff is not big enough to do so.
"We always try to help people who are in remote places and may have difficulty getting into a disaster recovery center," Tracey said. "In fact, we’ve been in locations in Maine where they don’t have any internet service or they don’t have any cell phone service. So, we try to make it as convenient as possible for people to register for assistance."
According to a news release issued by FEMA on Feb. 16, Mainers who encounter a FEMA official at their door are encouraged to ask for identification before providing personal information.
"DSA staff wear a FEMA identification badge with a photograph. Just wearing a FEMA shirt, vest or jacket is not proof of identity," the release stated. "Criminals and scammers can easily make official looking clothes."
"DSA team members are visiting homes, schools, nonprofits and community gathering spots," the release added. "They are also meeting with local officials and community leaders to identify disaster-related issues and unmet needs in the area."
Tracey said FEMA officials will never ask you for money, and they will always wear a government photo ID badge.
"And if you’re still uncomfortable, don’t give them any personal information, instead, register by email or by making a telephone call," Tracey added.
Once a resident has registered for assistance, they will receive a call from an inspector with FEMA wanting to come out and assess the damage. Tracey said you can also ask inspectors for a nine-digit case number to confirm they are the real deal.
When in doubt, you can always call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages, according to FEMA.