Inspectors To Visit Damaged Homes
Release Date: July 23, 2003
Release Number: 1478-03
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Cridersville, OH - Households that have applied for federal and state disaster assistance can expect to be contacted and may be visited by a damage inspector to verify losses, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Federal Coordinating Officer Ron Sherman.
"The inspections help us determine the amount of damages experienced by an applicant and his or her eligibility, which allows us to assist in the quickest and most efficient way possible," said Sherman.
Applicants can expect one or more different inspectors to visit and assess their disaster-damaged property. FEMA housing inspectors usually will schedule appointments within 7-10 days following an application. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) sends loss verifiers to inspect damaged property of those who have submitted a completed loan application.
Applicants will be asked to verify that they own or occupy the damaged property, and that it is their primary residence. Federal and state officials stress that under no circumstances will inspectors request money or any form of payment for their work.
"We are advising applicants to ask for identification from everyone claiming to be a damage inspector," said Richard Roman, deputy state coordinating officer. "All inspectors and verifiers carry official photo identification. If an inspector is not wearing identification, ask to see it."
Individuals may register for disaster assistance by calling the toll-free number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Hearing or speech impaired individuals may call TTY at 1-800-462-7585.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Aug-2003 11:26:32