Inspectors To Visit Disaster-Damaged Homes 

Release Date: June 24, 2004
Release Number: 1523-020

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FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentuckians who have registered for federal and state disaster assistance can expect to have their damaged property inspected to verify losses, according to Michael Bolch, head of recovery operations for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“The inspectors review the amount of damage and use wireless uplinks to get that information to housing specialists immediately,” said Bolch. “Keeping appointments and showing inspectors the extent of your damages is critical to getting aid quickly.”

Bolch noted that more than 90 percent or 4,317, of 4,755 requests for FEMA housing inspections have been completed since the disaster was declared on June 10.

FEMA housing inspectors will usually schedule appointments 7-10 days following an application. If you have not received an inspection within that time period, contact FEMA on the toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.

To avoid delaying receipt of assistance applicants should keep their appointments with inspectors. Applicants will be asked to verify that they own or occupy the damaged property, and that it is their primary residence. A mortgage statement or lease agreement will usually suffice. Federal and state officials stress that under no circumstance will inspectors request any form of payment for their work.

In addition to damage inspectors, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also sends loss verifiers to inspect the property of those who have submitted completed loan applications.

“We are advising applicants to get identification from everyone who claims to be a damage inspector,” said Malcolm Franklin, director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management. “All inspectors and verifiers carry photo identification. If an inspector is not displaying identification, ask to see it.”

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: Thursday, 24-Jun-2004 08:59:41