In the wake of recent disasters, misinformation circulating on social media and some national news outlets has caused confusion among the public about donations for flood relief in Tennessee. Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) Director Patrick Sheehan addressed the issue during an interview with Bristol Broadcasting News, debunking rumors about the agency’s actions.
“I think what’s being conveyed in pretty black and white in untrue terms is that TEMA is confiscating food or donations. That is not true,” Sheehan said, refuting claims that have been spreading widely online.
The director emphasized that donations from both in and out of state have been crucial in supporting relief efforts. However, the volume of incoming donations has created a need for additional space to store them, which is where Bristol Motor Speedway has stepped in. The Speedway has generously offered its facilities to serve as a central hub for both donors and those in need of essential supplies.
To ensure that accurate information reaches the public, Sheehan urged residents to rely on verified sources. Those impacted by flood damage and in need of assistance can reach out to the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Crisis Hotline at (423) 830-2696 for support.
Amidst the challenges of disaster recovery, it’s essential that communities come together with accurate information and goodwill, rather than being misled by false narratives.
Some statements within this article were pulled from an interview with Bristol Broadcasting. You can see their article here.
