How long does it take to get federal assistance after a disaster? There’s no set timeline.

By: Cassandra Stephenson

Outlets: Tennessee Lookout

Published: February 26, 2026

Words: 1,353

Last Updated: 2 weeks ago

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Days after a severe winter storm left tens of thousands of people in Nashville without power in freezing temperatures, a rumor began to spread: If power had been out for more than 24 hours, people could apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help cover the cost to relocate somewhere warm.

It wasn’t true.

Posts popped up on social media expressing confusion about a message on FEMA’s website.

“We didn’t …

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