Damage Inspectors on the Job in East Texas
Release Date: October 17, 2005
Release Number: 1606-036
» More Information on Texas Hurricane Rita
AUSTIN, Texas -- Residents of East Texas who sustained damage from Hurricane Rita will hear soon from damage inspectors from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). More than 800 inspectors are working in the hardest hit areas to verify losses of those residents who have filed applications.
An inspector will call the contact number the applicant gave when registering and set up a time for an inspection appointment. If homeowners have evacuated to another area and cannot return for an inspection, the inspector who calls can arrange for an authorized agent, named by the homeowner, or a FEMA agent to be present during the inspection.
All FEMA inspectors carry official photo identification. An inspector first examines any structural damage to the house, then assesses damage to appliances, such as the washer and dryer. The inspector also reports serious needs, such as lost or damaged clothing. Homeowners should identify all known damages and tell the inspector if they have a septic system or a well. The inspectors document the damage but do not determine whether an applicant is eligible for assistance.
"There is no need to wait for a FEMA inspector's visit before beginning cleanup," Tom Davies, federal coordinating officer, said. "It is not required, but it may be helpful to photograph the damage prior to cleanup. You should always keep receipts for disaster-related damage repairs already completed or items purchased for cleanup, which may be eligible for reimbursement."
The inspection is free. Owners and renters must show proof of occupancy such as a valid driver's license; they will also be asked to sign some forms and show proof of ownership.
"We are advising applicants to ask for photo identification from anyone identifying themselves as damage inspectors," said Frank Cantu, Texas Governor's Division of Emergency Management state coordinating officer. "If someone asks you for money for an inspection or if you feel someone is misrepresenting themselves as an inspector, please contact your local police or call the Attorney General's office."
If you suspect fraud, call the police, sheriff or the Attorney General's Office of Consumer Protection at 800-337-3928 at once.
To apply for disaster assistance, log on to www.fema.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The TTY number is 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairments. Both lines are available 24/7.
An inspector will try three times to schedule a damage inspection appointment with an applicant. After that, unnecessary delays may occur. Make sure your application is updated with a current phone number. Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to update your application if your phone number has changed.
Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, uninsurable items and other serious disaster-related needs, and low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners and renters as well as business owners.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 18-Oct-2005 11:31:52