The Inspectors Are Coming
Release Date: July 16, 2002
Release Number: 1426-05
» More Information on Guam Typhoon Chata'an
Hagatna, Guam -- If you registered for federal/local disaster assistance following Typhoon Chata'an you can expect a visit from a FEMA inspector.
Inspectors are verifying the nature and extent of the damage suffered by those who have applied for federal disaster aid. This aid includes housing assistance, grants for essential needs unmet by other assistance programs and the U. S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster-assistance loans.
Inspections are mandatory. Before any application can be completed and approved, the location must be inspected.
Disaster officials warned typhoon victims to be cautious about letting unfamiliar visitors into their homes, even though they may introduce themselves as an inspector.
"Ask for identification from anyone claiming to be an inspector," urged Bill Carwile, Federal Coordinating Officer with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) "Our inspectors are required to display their picture identification badge at all times. If they cannot produce this document, they undoubtedly are not FEMA inspectors," he stated.
Bill Carwile heads the federal side of the joint federal/local recovery effort. His local partner is Joe Javellina, Guam's Coordinating Officer.
If you have not registered yet you can apply for aid by calling the toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-3362. Persons who are speech- or hearing- impaired can call 1-800-462-7585.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 13-Aug-2003 11:34:05