What To Expect When An Inspector Visits  

Release Date: October 14, 2004
Release Number: 1565-008

» More Information on New York Tropical Depression Ivan

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Residents living in any one of the six disaster designated counties affected by Hurricane Ivan may need to have their homes or businesses inspected by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) or insurance companies.

FEMA inspectors are currently visiting homes in the counties of Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster. FEMA contract inspectors work by appointment only. They record damages but do not determine eligibility, and they never charge a fee.

Applicants should be prepared to provide written confirmation of ownership, such as a tax receipt, deed, mortgage payment book or home insurance policy with the damaged property’s address. Having the necessary documentation will speed up the inspection process.

"We are working quickly to meet the needs of those affected by the disaster," said Federal Coordinating Officer Theodore Monette. "We have already completed the inspection of more than 470 homes.”

Owners and renters must show that the damaged property was their primary residence at the time of the disaster. Inspectors will accept a valid driver's license or current utility bill (such as an electric, gas or water bill) as proof of occupancy.

When the inspector calls, applicants should provide clear, accurate directions to the damaged property and a current phone number where they can be reached. A street address is needed. Do not use a post office box address.

The damage inspection is part of the recovery process. FEMA inspectors, SBA loss verifiers and insurance adjusters are required to carry current identification. If an inspector visits, ask to see identification. Inspectors and National Flood Insurance Program personnel may also be in the neighborhood. FEMA inspectors do not come to your home without an appointment. They only inspect damages and do not determine eligibility. All inspectors are following schedules and can only inspect houses scheduled for inspections.

The inspection is free. It generally takes 30-40 minutes, and consists of inspecting all areas of the home and reviewing records. The inspector enters information into a hand-held computer that sends the information to FEMA. This speeds up the process of providing assistance. The inspector does not determine whether an applicant is eligible for assistance.

After applying for disaster assistance by calling the FEMA registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired, or registering on line at www.fema.gov, a FEMA inspector will usually contact the applicant within four to five days to schedule an appointment to inspect the home. If the insurance company covers the reported damage, or the extent of damage was not what was reported, applicants may call FEMA’s toll-free number to make changes before an inspector is scheduled. Federal law prohibits duplication of benefits and fraudulent claims are reported to the Attorney General’s office.

If a SBA loan application is sent, applicants are encouraged to fill it out even if they do not think they qualify for a loan. Not filling it out may limit the assistance they would otherwise receive. An SBA loss verifier will also schedule an appointment after SBA receives the completed loan application.

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: Friday, 15-Oct-2004 08:28:41