Misinformation can spread quickly after a disaster, causing confusion and distrust within communities struggling to recover. Many of those affected are already unsure where to turn for help, and inaccurate claims only add to that uncertainty.
It can also have very real consequences on the ability of the American Red Cross to deliver critical services – services that thousands are counting on to get through these difficult days.
Let’s set the record straight –
Claim: "The Red Cross is confiscating or throwing out donated items."
The Red Cross does not confiscate or discard donated items, and we have received no evidence to back these unsubstantiated claims. Our focus continues to be providing shelter, food and comfort for those affected by this massive disaster. For information on where to donate or to obtain donated goods, please call 211.
Claim: "The Red Cross is taking over local efforts."
Responding to disasters is a team effort, and the Red Cross works closely with community partners to meet the needs of those affected. At times, that may include providing management support at the request of partners or working alongside volunteer organizations helping after a disaster. We do not forcefully take over shelters, nor do we take over the efforts of volunteer groups.
As a member of the community, the Red Cross establishes local partnerships and volunteer relationships before disasters to ensure needs are met, and we collaborate to support growing needs of the community.
Claim: "The Red Cross isn’t here."
This is simply not true. The Red Cross is a proud member of these communities in which our staff live and work – it’s where we respond to home fires, hold blood drives and provide lifesaving classes.
Before Helene made landfall, the Red Cross deployed hundreds of additional disaster responders and positioned thousands of relief supplies across the Southeast in preparation for this storm. Today, more than 1,400 disaster responders are helping people in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee and Virginia, providing safe shelter, food, hygiene items, medication and emotional support.
As we have all seen in news coverage, Helene’s destruction covers a huge area and it’s taking time to navigate damaged roads and reach communities that are cut off. Despite these obstacles, we are doing all we can to reach those who need help.
The Red Cross was here before the storm, and we will continue to work tirelessly to support those affected on the difficult road to recovery in the weeks and months ahead.
We recognize that amid such devastation emotions run high but ask that you please be thoughtful in what you share online. Sharing rumors without first vetting the source and verifying facts ultimately hurts people — people who have just lost their possessions, homes and, in some cases, loved ones.
It will take all of us – coming together – to support the many affected by Hurricane Helene, and we look forward to working with all of those who roll up a sleeve to help.
Learn more about the Red Cross response to Hurricane Helene.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.