Damage Inspectors Key To FEMA Assistance
Release Date: November 7, 2007
Release Number: 1731-020
» More Information on California Wildfires
PASADENA, Calif. -- Damage inspectors are busy contacting California residents who have reported wildfire property damages. Inspections are conducted by contractors working for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to document property damages.
When the inspection takes place, the homeowner or renter must be on hand and show proof of occupancy such as a mortgage payment, utility bill or valid driver's license. If the owner or renter cannot be present at the time of the inspection, they can arrange for someone to represent them.
"There is no need to wait for the inspector's visit before beginning cleanup," said Mike Hall, federal coordinating officer for California recovery operations. "However, we recommend that you take photographs before you start cleaning, and keep receipts for repairs and items that you buy."
All FEMA contract inspectors are thoroughly trained and certified and carry official photo identification. They document structural damage as well as personal property losses, so residents should point out all known damages. Inspectors document damage but do not determine eligibility for federal and state disaster assistance.
Hall says there is no charge for a FEMA inspection. "If someone asks you for money for an inspection or if you feel people are misrepresenting themselves as inspectors, please contact your local police or call the California consumer protection hotline at 1-800-952-5210."
Inspectors will make several attempts to schedule appointments. If an applicant's phone number has changed, they should call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 to update contact information.
Insurance plays the primary role in recovery, so applicants are urged to talk with their insurance companies. Disaster assistance in the form of low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and grants from FEMA and the California Department of Social Services may help pay for temporary housing, uninsurable items and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.
Low-interest SBA disaster loans are available for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and non-profit organizations. Individuals with questions for SBA may visit any of the nine disaster assistance centers (see attached list), call the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955, TTY 1-800-877-8339, or visit SBA's website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.
| LOCATION/County | HOURS |
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Activites Center - George A. Caravalho, Santa Clarita Complex (DRC) |
Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed on Nov.11 for Veterans Day |
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Malibu Bluff's Park (SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center) |
Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
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One Stop Center / strip mall (SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center) |
Mon. - Fr., 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
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Robert Hootman Senior/Community Center (DRC) |
Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
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National Orange Fairgrounds (DRC) |
Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
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Rancho Bernardo Glassman Recreation Center |
Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
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Ramona Community School |
Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
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Fallbrook Community Center |
Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
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Rancho San Diego - Cuyamaca College |
Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Thursday, 08-Nov-2007 08:53:24