Inspectors Visit Storm-Damaged Residences
Release Date: June 26, 2002
Release Number: 1419-11
» More Information on Minnesota Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes
Moorhead, MN -- Inspectors from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are visiting residences and examining property damaged by the floods that began on June 9 in Roseau, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman and Red Lake counties.
"You must apply for disaster assistance before inspectors will view your damaged property," said Federal Coordinating Officer C. Michel Butler. Residents of those counties who experienced damage can apply by calling FEMA's toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (TDD 1-800-462-7585).
An inspector will determine the extent of damage to your house and whether it is habitable by checking the structure and the systems. Damage to major appliances to include washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove, furnace, water heaters, etc., will be assessed. Other serious needs, such as lost or damaged clothing, will also be reported.
Applicants should be prepared to show the inspector proof of ownership and/or proof of occupancy to help determine eligibility. Insurance papers should be shown if they are available. Applicants should also notify the FEMA inspector if the household is serviced by a private septic system and/or well.
Disaster officials urge applicants to ask for proper identification before allowing unfamiliar persons claiming to be inspectors into their homes. Official inspectors will not be charging any fees to perform this service. Anyone charging fees should be reported to the nearest law enforcement agency, disaster officials caution.
More than one agency may be inspecting damaged property. FEMA generally schedules its inspections within five days of the time an applicant registers. Other agencies which may be looking at damages include the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the American Red Cross, and/or local building officials.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 19-Aug-2003 14:43:31