Inspectors Visit Homes And Businesses Destroyed Or Damaged By Earthquake 

Release Date: February 2, 2004
Release Number: 1505-012

» More Information on California Earthquake

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- Inspectors authorized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) are in the field verifying damages to homes and businesses caused by the San Simeon earthquake on December 22, 2003.

"Be sure to ask for photo identification from any inspector who comes to your door," said Peter Martinasco of FEMA, federal coordinating officer for the San Simeon earthquake disaster. "Disaster inspectors are there only to inspect your damage. If anyone tries to talk you into expensive repairs or requests a fee, call the FEMA fraud detection line at 1-800-323-8603," he cautioned.

The inspections began shortly after President Bush declared a major federal disaster at the request of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on January 13.

All FEMA and SBA inspectors have badges identifying themselves. Individuals whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the earthquake and who applied for disaster assistance can expect to hear from one or more of the following inspectors:

"A visit from an inspector or loss verifier can open the door to a variety of assistance programs," said State Coordinating Officer Dallas Jones. "Cooperating with the inspectors helps the recovery process, but it's important that applicants for disaster assistance make sure the inspectors coming to their door identify themselves properly."

OES coordinates overall state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. The office is responsible for ensuring California's readiness to respond to and recover from natural, manmade and war-caused emergencies and for assisting local governments in their emergency preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery efforts.

SBA is the federal government's primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Disaster recovery assistance is available to any individual without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, economic status, or disability. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against in receiving disaster assistance, you may contact one of FEMA's Equal Rights Officers (EROs) at 1-800-525-0321, or contact your State Office of Equal Rights.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Feb-2004 09:13:50