Disaster Recovery Inspectors Visit Quake Damaged Area; Residents Encouraged To Apply For Assistance Quickly
Release Date: November 26, 2002
Release Number: 1440-05
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Anchorage, AK -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is sending FEMA contract inspectors to examine structural damage to dwellings and other damage to personal property as a result of the November 3-10 earthquake and aftershocks. These inspectors will visit current applicants and check the extent of damage to a home or building to determine that it's safe, secure and sanitary. They will also report on other losses or damage to personal property.
It's important that people register and apply for assistance soon. "You must apply for assistance before inspectors can view your damaged property," said Federal Coordinating Officer William Lokey. "It's also important that people apply if they suspect there may be damage, as the evidence may show up later." The deadline for applying for assistance is January 17, 2003.
Residents in the affected areas can apply by calling FEMA's toll free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The TTY number for the speech or hearing impaired is 1-800-462-7585. Operators are available to take calls from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Alaska Standard Time, seven days a week until further notice, with the exception of the Thanksgiving holiday. The teleregistration center will be closed at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 27th, and will resume normal hours on Friday, November 29th.
When the FEMA contract inspectors arrive, Lokey says, applicants should be prepared to show proof of ownership and occupancy through copies of bills or other official documents. Residents should also be aware that there may be representatives of more than one agency inspecting property damage. Other agencies could include the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA), the American Red Cross, and/or local building officials.
Last Modified: Monday, 21-Apr-2003 14:06:42