Inspectors Visiting Damaged Properties
Release Date: September 26, 2003
Release Number: 1490-11
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Raleigh, NC -- Disaster recovery teams are now in the field inspecting homes and businesses damaged in the recent flooding, according to State Coordinating Officer (SCO) Dr. Kenneth B. Taylor of the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management and Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Individuals who have applied for disaster assistance may expect to hear from several different inspectors.
"FEMA inspectors generally will schedule an inspection within a week to 10 days after registration to view damaged property," Szczech said. "The Red Cross may also send inspectors to meet with disaster victims, and local building and safety inspectors may come to see if damaged structures are safe." Szczech added that the U.S. Small Business Administration will send loss verifiers to inspect damaged property of those who have submitted disaster loan applications.
SCO Taylor advised applicants to ask for identification from everyone saying they are damage inspectors. "All inspectors carry official photo identification," Taylor said. "If an inspector is not wearing an identification card or badge, ask to see it."
Szczech added that anyone claiming to be a FEMA official who asks for a fee of any kind should be reported to either the North Carolina Attorney General's Scam and Fraud Hotline at 1-877-5NO-SCAM (566-7226) or the FEMA Fraud Detection Line at 1-800-323-8603.
Individuals and business owners who believe they have suffered losses in the flooding are urged to call FEMA's toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) between 7 a.m. and midnight seven days a week. The registration line for persons who are hearing- or speech-impaired is TTY 1-800-462-7585.
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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 26-Sep-2003 08:19:28