Recertification, What Does It All Mean?
Release Date: April 21, 2006
Release Number: 1603-444
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- Transitional or temporary housing for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita evacuees is not a permanent solution. This housing is provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for a period of not more than 18 months from the date of the Presidential disaster declaration. For Hurricane Katrina, the declaration was made on August 29, 2005; for Hurricane Rita, the declaration was made September 24, 2005.
What is Recertification?
This process allows FEMA to review the occupants’ plans for permanent housing and to determine the continued need for temporary housing. To date, there are nearly 60,000 applicants to be recertified. These individuals receive one on-site visit up to every three months at their temporary home and many telephone follow-ups.
What are the responsibilities of temporary housing applicants?
- FEMA temporary housing applicants should develop permanent housing plans while living in FEMA-provided temporary housing.
- Previous renters should contact their prior landlords to find out if they will be permitted to move back into their unit.
- Homeowners should follow-up with contractors on the progress of the repair or rebuilding work.
- FEMA housing applicants with no housing plans will be given information and tools to help them find available housing.
What is the job of recertification advisors?
- Flyers will be given to the applicants or placed on their doors to inform them that the recertification advisor is coming.
- The advisor will call to set up an appointment to meet with each applicant in the travel trailer or mobile home.
- Recertification advisors carry FEMA identification.
- While they are there, they will check the condition of the unit. If repairs are necessary, a work order request may be submitted.
- Recertification advisors help applicants develop a housing plan and provide resources in the community to help meet their needs.
- The advisors will follow-up regularly on the efforts of the applicants.
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: Friday, 21-Apr-2006 12:48:08