Inspectors Continue To Visit Damaged Properties In Louisiana 

Release Date: March 19, 2007
Release Number: 1685-023

» More Information on Louisiana Severe Storms and Tornadoes

NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Homeowners and renters who have applied for assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred Feb. 12 and 13 will hear soon from damage inspectors. 

FEMA usually schedules inspections within one week after an applicant registers. To date over 750 inspections have been completed in Jefferson, Orleans and St. Martin parishes.  An inspector first examines any structural damage to the home, then assesses damage to personal property, such as furnishings, appliances, vehicles and clothing. The inspector also gathers information about other needs, such as uninsured medical, dental, funeral or moving and storage expenses. Homeowners should identify all known damages and tell the inspector if they have a septic system or a well.

Property owners need to show proof of ownership and occupancy. Renters need to show proof of occupancy. If insurance papers are available, residents should show them to the inspector.

Inspectors will ask applicants to show identification. At the same time, applicants should ask for identification from everyone identifying themselves as damage inspectors. All inspectors carry official photo identification.  It is also important to keep in mind that official inspectors do not charge for this service.

Homeowners and renters who have suffered losses as a result of severe storms and tornadoes, but have not yet applied for assistance are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. There are two easy ways to begin the application process. Applicants can call FEMA's toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired. Both numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time Monday through Saturday.  Applicants can also register online at www.fema.gov.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Monday, 19-Mar-2007 13:49:46