FEMA Damage Inspectors On The Job In Georgia
Don't Wait For Inspectors to Begin Cleanup
Release Date: May 2, 2009
Release Number: 1833-009
» More Information on Georgia Severe Storms, Flooding, Tornadoes, and Straight-line Winds
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Inspectors from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are contacting hundreds of disaster applicants to schedule inspections of homes in Georgia that sustained damage from storms and flooding that began March 26. To date, inspectors have completed more than 330 inspections.
The U.S. Small Business Administration and various insurance companies also have inspectors in the field.
Inspectors for FEMA carry photo identification. They will never ask for personal information, such as bank account or Social Security numbers. They do not sell any services. They are there to document damage. They do not make decisions about assistance.
"Inspectors in the field recording applicants' storm and flood damage are finding people reluctant to begin cleanup until after the inspection is performed," said Georgia Emergency Management Agency Director Charley English. "Applicants do not have to wait for an inspector before they begin cleaning up. Waiting only serves to promote disease and further destruction. All we ask is that applicants take pictures of the damaged property and provide an inventory of the damage."
Before an inspector is assigned to an applicant, homeowners and renters with disaster-related damage must register with FEMA. Registration is available by calling toll free 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 and online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. The toll-free numbers are staffed seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., local time. Help in all languages is available.
"The damage inspection is free and a FEMA inspector will contact an applicant by phone to schedule an appointment," said Federal Coordinating Officer Terry Quarles.
Depending on the amount of damage and a review of damage documentation, inspections can take anywhere from 10 minutes to more than an hour. While registering, applicants should provide a current phone number and a street address along with clear, accurate directions to the damaged property. Post office boxes do not indicate property locations. Owners and renters must show proof of occupancy such as a valid driver's license, and owners must show proof of ownership.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Monday, 04-May-2009 10:15:02