What To Expect When An Inspector Visits Your Home
Release Date: September 26, 2004
Release Number: 1550-009
» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Ivan
GAUTIER, Miss. -- Residents living in any one of the 10 counties affected by Hurricane Ivan may need to have their homes or businesses inspected by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) or insurance companies
FEMA inspectors are currently visiting homes in the counties of Clarke, George, Green, Hancock, Harrison, Lauderdale, Jackson, Perry, Stone and Wayne.
After applying for disaster assistance by calling the FEMA registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired, a FEMA inspector will usually contact you within five to seven days to schedule an appointment to inspect your home. If you discovered that your insurance company covers the reported damage, or that the extent of damage was not what you reported, you may call FEMA’s toll –free number to make changes before an inspector is scheduled. Federal law prohibits duplication of benefits and fraudulent claims are reported to the Attorney General’s office.
If you receive an SBA loan application, you are encouraged to fill it out even if you do not think you qualify for a loan. Not filling it out may limit the assistance you would otherwise receive. An SBA loss verifier will also schedule an appointment after SBA receives your completed loan application.
When the inspector calls, be sure to give clear, accurate directions to the damaged property and a current phone number where you can be reached. A street address is needed. Do not use a post office box address.
The damage inspection is part of the recovery process. FEMA inspectors, SBA loss verifiers and insurance adjusters are required to carry current identification. If an inspector comes to your home, ask to see identification. You may see inspectors in your neighborhood. FEMA inspectors do not come to your home without an appointment. All inspectors are following schedules and can only inspect houses scheduled for inspections.
Applicants should be prepared to provide written confirmation of ownership, such as a tax receipt, deed, mortgage payment book or home insurance policy with the damaged property’s address. Having the necessary documentation can help speed up the inspection process.
Owners and renters must show that the damaged property was their primary residence at the time of the disaster. Inspectors will accept a valid driver's license or current utility bill (such as an electric, gas or water bill) as proof of occupancy.
The inspection is free. It generally takes 30-40 minutes, and consists of inspecting all areas of your home and review of your records. The inspector enters information into a hand-held computer that sends the information to FEMA. This speeds up the process of providing assistance. The inspector does not determine whether an applicant is eligible for assistance.
"We are working quickly to meet the needs of those affected by the disaster," said Federal Coordinating Officer Scott Wells. "We have already completed the inspection of more than 1,700 homes."
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.
Last Modified: Monday, 27-Sep-2004 09:58:58