BOONE, N.C. (WGHP) -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency is doing double duty. Officials are helping people recovering from Helene and are also faced with the challenge of refuting lies spread on social media. FEMA opened a disaster recovery center on Tuesday in Boone. It's their fifth so far, and they have a goal of opening 15 by the end of the week. Boone, a mountain town with an influx of thousands of college students each year, suffered a lot of flooding damage after Helene and faces months of recovery, but other places in Watauga County will take much longer. FEMA says they are in Boone for the long haul. FEMA spokesperson Jann Tracey is from Colorado and is stationed in North Carolina to support the disaster response. “Before the hurricane hit, FEMA was already here," said Jann Tracey, a spokesperson for FEMA. In advance of Helene’s massive flooding, FEMA had swift water rescue teams prepared, water, food and other essentials at staging areas. Just because not every first responder bore a FEMA logo, doesn’t mean they weren’t working with the federal government. “You don’t recognize it being FEMA, but it’s the result of FEMA,” Tracey said. Post-storm, FEMA’s focus has shifted from rescue to recovery with 1,200 personnel on the ground in 25 counties canvassing door-to-door and manning disaster recovery centers. “The state is the lead on it, not FEMA,” Tracey said. The state and federal officials have worked together in the aftermath of Helene to help 25 North Carolina counties. The Watauga County Disaster Recovery Center was busy all day Tuesday. “The process took about 25, 30 minutes, and the questions were very detailed, and they are even looking at helping me get supplies for my van to get in and out at work with the wheelchair,” said Andy Pennestri, a Boone resident of 44 years. Pennestri injured his foot last year. He almost lost his home to Helene. He applied for FEMA assistance on Tuesday “We were lucky. It could have taken the house in a heartbeat,” he said. Tracey says in the first 48 hours, they’ve heard countless stories like his about people who just need a hand to get on their feet. FEMA has administered $3.4 million in Watauga County alone since Helene. There’s the $750 emergency payment for essential needs then the application for assistance. “The $750 happens very quickly, but the application process takes a little bit longer,” Tracey said. And you will never have to pay FEMA back for any money you get. FEMA also has ground teams going door-to-door in six counties: Catawba County, Burke County, Avery County, Yancey County, McDowell County and Watauga County. “In some areas, they have a county escort. In some areas, it’s necessary to have a county escort,” Tracey said. FEMA workers have experienced some hostility in western North Carolina, resulting in a temporary break in service. Now, teams are back on the ground and can call on law enforcement as needed. “That way when you go up to somebody’s door, it’s not some federal official standing there. It’s somebody you might even know,” Tracey said. If you are fearful of a scammer taking advantage of storm victims, look for the FEMA shirts. "Every FEMA employee is wearing a badge on a lanyard,” Tracey said. You can also call the local office to verify their identity. FEMA will never ask for money or credit card information. After the reports of threats to FEMA workers, Tracey said worker safety is a priority. FEMA will have disaster recovery centers open as long as people are coming in to ask questions and seek help, but they urge people to begin that process as quickly as possible. FEMA is addressing rumors on its website.