FEMA Inspectors Visiting Damaged Homes
Release Date: December 4, 2003
Release Number: 1501-11
» More Information on Puerto Rico Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and Landslides
SAN JUAN, P.R. -- Inspectors for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are now visiting the people who have applied for disaster assistance following the recent floods and landslides, which occurred on November 10-23, 2003. The inspectors are visiting damaged homes in all the 19 municipalities covered by the federal disaster declaration announced by President Bush.
“It is important that everyone who had damages resulting from the floods call to get registered,” said Justo Hernández, federal coordinating officer for the disaster recovery operation. “The FEMA toll free number, 1-800-621-3362, may be reached daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.,” said Hernández. Hearing or speech impaired individuals may call TTY at 1-800-462-7585.
When registering with FEMA, the applicant must provide one or more valid contact numbers for the inspector. After registration, an inspector will contact the applicant to arrange an appointment to check on the damages. Inspections are done on a case-by-case basis; an inspector may not visit all the applicants in a geographic area at the same time.
“Once application information and damages have been confirmed, FEMA determines what kind of assistance people need. If the eligible applicant needs temporary housing assistance, then FEMA will send a check to pay for rent or emergency home repairs,” Hernández said.
Hernández advises residents to ask for photo identification when an inspector arrives. FEMA does not charge for an inspection fee. Remember, when an inspector visits:
- The applicant should be present for the scheduled appointment.
- He/she will check the damage, verify ownership and occupancy, and make a report.
- The inspector does not determine eligibility.
- He/she does not need to see IRS tax returns or W-2 Forms.
Other agencies may also inspect damaged property to verify losses for their programs. Small Business Administration (SBA) inspectors visit people who have applied for SBA loans. In addition, city or municipality governments also may send an inspector to determine whether a damaged building is safe to enter. “Regardless of the agency the inspector represents, always ask for identification,” said Hernandez.
To date, FEMA has registered 19,438 people for disaster assistance and $16,636,565 in aid has been approved.
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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 09-Dec-2003 08:30:47