Inspections Due For Disaster-Damaged Homes
Release Date: April 20, 2006
Release Number: 1634-026
» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms and Tornadoes
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Tennesseans who suffered losses in the recent tornadoes and who have registered for federal and state disaster assistance must have their damaged property inspected before they can receive financial assistance from the government.
“The inspectors assess the amount of damage and forward that information to FEMA,” said Michael Karl, the official in charge of recovery operations for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “That’s a necessary first step in determining an applicant’s eligibility for home repair grants, rental assistance and other federal aid.”
Housing inspectors usually will schedule appointments 7-10 days after an applicant registers with FEMA by phone or on the agency’s Web site. Checks to those who are eligible for assistance will follow in another 7-10 days. The U.S. Small Business Administration also sends loss verifiers to inspect the property of those who have submitted disaster loan applications.
The inspector will ask to see some proof that the applicant owns or occupies the damaged property and that it is his or her primary residence. A mortgage statement, property tax receipt or lease agreement will usually suffice. Federal and state officials stress that under no circumstances will inspectors request any form of payment for their work.
It is important that applicants keep their appointments with inspectors. Otherwise, the processing of their assistance applications may be delayed. If they need to reschedule appointments, they can call FEMA’s help line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
“We advise applicants to get identification from everyone who claims to be a damage inspector,” said Louis Friedmann, Tennessee’s deputy coordinating officer for this disaster. “All government inspectors and verifiers carry photo identification. If an inspector is not wearing this identification, ask to see it.”
Individuals may register for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. There is a toll-free TTY line for the speech- and hearing-impaired at 1-800-462-7585. FEMA also accepts registrations on its Web site at www.fema.gov.
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. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Thursday, 20-Apr-2006 15:45:17