FEMA Home Damage Inspectors On The Job In Seven Georgia Counties
Release Date: April 3, 2008
Release Number: 1750-011
» More Information on Georgia Severe Storms and Tornadoes
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Housing inspectors from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are contacting applicants whose homes were damaged in the severe storms and tornadoes that struck Georgia last month.
As part of the process of applying for disaster assistance, the housing inspection is conducted following an individual's disaster registration with FEMA. These inspections are critical to the FEMA application process because they document damage. Inspectors do not determine whether an applicant is eligible or provide estimates on damage.
In the seven counties declared, most housing inspections have been completed within a two-day period. To date, 521 homes in the declared counties have been inspected.
Understanding the Inspection Process
Before an inspector is assigned, homeowners or renters with disaster-related damage to their homes must register with FEMA. They can register by calling toll-free 800-621-3362 (FEMA), or (TTY) 800-462-7585 for those with a speech- or hearing-impairment. Applicants can also register through the Internet at www.fema.gov. Multilingual assistance is available to applicants. A few days later an inspector will call to arrange to inspect the damaged property.
It is critical that FEMA has current contact information and accurate directions so inspectors can reach each eligible applicant. If a homeowner is unable to return for the mandatory damage inspection, they may authorize an agent to be present.
- Damage inspection is free
- A FEMA inspector will contact an applicant by phone to schedule an appointment
- An applicant should give clear, accurate directions to the damaged property, the street address and a current phone number
- A street address is required; post office boxes do not show locations
- 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 utility bill or landlord statement
- Owners must also show proof of ownership and some forms will need to be signed
- Each inspection generally takes 30 to 40 minutes
Be Alert for Disaster Fraud
FEMA inspectors carry official photo identification. Residents should ask for photo identification from home damage inspectors. Please contact the local police if money is requested for an inspection, or you believe someone is misrepresenting themselves as an inspector.
- Identification includes the persons name and photo. The badge will say "Under Contract to FEMA."
- Official inspectors will 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: Thursday, 03-Apr-2008 14:50:01