FEMA Inspectors Continue Assessing Storm Damage
Release Date: February 17, 2008
Release Number: 1745-003
» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The small corps of inspectors working for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are moving systematically around the state to assess property damage left behind by the tornadoes and severe storms which struck Tennessee Feb. 5-6. So far, 19 inspectors have completed 973 requests with another 385 inspections scheduled.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as well as insurance companies also have inspectors in the field.
"We are working quickly to meet the needs of those affected by the disaster," said Gracia Szczech, federal coordinating officer for the Tennessee recovery effort. "The FEMA inspector is there to document damage, not to determine whether an applicant is eligible for assistance."
Szczech said if homeowners have evacuated to another area and cannot return for the mandatory damage inspection, they can authorize an agent to be present on their behalf.
"It is critical for FEMA to have current contact information and accurate directions so inspectors can reach each eligible applicant," Szczech said.
Understanding the Inspection Process
Before an inspector is assigned, homeowners or renters with uninsured disaster-related damage must register with FEMA. They can apply for disaster assistance by calling (800) 621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY (800) 462-7585, or by going online at www.fema.gov.
- Damage inspection is free.
- FEMA inspectors contact applicants by phone to schedule an appointment.
- A street address is required; post office boxes do not show locations.
- An applicant needs to give clear, accurate directions to the damaged property, the street address and a current telephone number.
- An inspector will try three times to schedule a damage inspection appointment. After that, unnecessary delays may occur.
- Owners and renters must show proof of occupancy, such as a valid driver's license.
- Owners must also show proof of ownership and some forms will need to be signed.
- Each inspection generally takes 30-40 minutes.
Be Alert for Disaster Fraud
FEMA inspectors carry official photo identification. James Bassham, director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, urges residents to ask for photo identification from damage inspectors, who will have specific FEMA identification showing that they are authorized to conduct an inspection.
"Anyone who suspects they may have been unfairly targeted for fraud should report the incident to the Division of Consumer Affairs at (615) 741-4737 or toll-free (800) 342-8385," said Bassham. He adds that individuals, who are aware of a crime connected to the disaster, should contact the local police or call the Attorney General's office at (615) 741-3491, especially if they suspect someone is falsely posing as an inspector or if any money is requested.
- FEMA IDs carry the person's name and photo, and the FEMA seal and the ID's expiration date are highly visible.
- A FEMA ID includes a "property of the U.S. Government" disclaimer, a return address and a barcode.
- Official inspectors never ask for money or use a vehicle bearing a FEMA logo.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 19-Feb-2008 08:37:21