FEMA Inspectors Important Part of Recovery Process
Release Date: March 20, 2006
Release Number: 1631-004
» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Inspectors from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other disaster assistance agencies are in the field as an important part of the recovery process for individuals and business owners in the Missouri counties affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from March 11-13, 2006.
"In every instance the inspector is responding to document the damage received by a homeowner, renter or business applicant," said Tom Costello, federal coordinating officer. "It is important to the completion of the assistance process to cooperate with inspectors who are in place to assist the applicant and move the process forward."
Occasionally, scam artists try to pose as FEMA inspectors to take advantage of disaster victims. Should there be any doubt that an inspector is who they claim to be, or fails to provide a photo identification badge, applicants should re-schedule the inspection and call the local police department to report the incident.
The following are points to remember during inspections:
- All inspectors wear a current photo identification badge.
- Clothing with names or insignias is not an indication they work for the agency.
- All FEMA inspectors carry a hand-held computer. It has information about the person whose household they are inspecting on the computer.
- The computer is only for FEMA programs. It has no other use to anyone else.
- Inspectors do not determine any dollar amounts. They only look at reported damage and document the damage.
- Inspectors come to a household by appointment only.
- Inspectors do not carry money.
"It is important to be aware of scam artists and imposters who are trying to take advantage of disaster victims. When in doubt ask for identification," said Ron Reynolds, State Emergency Management Agency Director.
In addition to FEMA inspectors other inspectors or verifiers may visit. After the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) application has been completed and returned to SBA, an SBA verifier will make an appointment for an inspection. The American Red Cross may conduct a home visit to verify loss and the need for Red Cross assistance. This visit is done in teams of two or more.
Local building and safety inspectors may be sent to see if damaged buildings are safe to occupy. All inspectors and verifiers carry official photo identification. If an inspector is not wearing an identification card or badge, ask to see it.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 21-Mar-2006 12:41:17