Inspectors Will Examine Damaged Maine Property
Release Date: June 14, 2006
Release Number: 1644-017
» More Information on Maine Severe Storms and Flooding
NEWINGTON, N.H. -- Maine residents in the disaster-declared county, who have sustained damages to their homes from the recent severe storms and flooding, should expect inspectors to call if they have applied for state/federal disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Inspectors are now in affected area examining damaged properties and will verify the nature and extent of the damage inflicted by the storm. FEMA schedules its inspections within three to five days of the time a residence or business owner registers by phone.
Those affected can begin the application process by calling FEMA's toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech impaired. The lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Registration can also be done online at www.fema.gov.
What a homeowner should know:
- Once registered, an inspector may call and schedule an appointment to visit the damaged property, usually within 3-5 days, to determine eligibility for the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) to aid with disaster-related losses. Every effort should be made to be available for the scheduled visit.
- The inspection process can be expedited if certain documents are available to show the inspector, such as proof of ownership for property owners or proof of occupancy for renters. Insurance papers should be shown if possible.
- An inspector will determine the extent of damage to the house and whether it is habitable by checking the structure and the systems. Damage to major appliances - washer, dryer, furnace, refrigerator, stove, etc., will be assessed. Other serious needs, such as lost or damaged clothing, also are reported.
- Homeowners and renters with private septic systems and wells should advise inspectors of the existence of these items. FEMA assistance may be available to repair or replace damaged systems.
State and federal officials note that more than one agency may be inspecting damaged property. Other agencies that may be looking at damages include the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the American Red Cross, and/or local building officials.
"Inspectors are in the field to view damaged properties," said FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer Kenneth Clark. "It is an absolute priority for us to get aid to those who need it, and in order to expedite that, people must first register with FEMA, then undergo the inspection process to determine eligibility."
Applicants should ask for proper identification before allowing unfamiliar persons claiming to be inspectors into their homes.
"Inspectors will carry proper identification from the agency they represent," said Steve Burgess, coordinating officer for the Maine Emergency Management Agency. "They don't charge fees for inspections. Anyone asking for payment for inspections should be reported to the local law enforcement agency."
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Dec-2006 11:59:30