Property Inspections Crucial To Disaster Recovery
Release Date: December 1, 2005
Release Number: 3215-028
» More Information on Arkansas Hurricane Katrina
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds homeowners and renters who evacuated because of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita that in order to be eligible for most forms of disaster assistance, FEMA must inspect the home you lived in prior to the hurricanes.
Important steps in the recovery process include registering with FEMA, filing private insurance claims, filling out a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application and having a FEMA-contracted home inspection.
About 2-4 weeks after registering, a FEMA contracted inspector will call you to set up an appointment for the inspection. If you cannot be present for the inspection, you can arrange to have a FEMA-authorized agent or a friend or relative (18 years of age or older) accompany the inspector.
Inspectors must be able to reach you by telephone. For this reason, each time you change addresses or phone numbers, update your information with FEMA by calling the Helpline and toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing- and speech-impaired. Updates can also be done online at www.fema.gov.
There is no charge for official inspections, however you will need to show proof of occupancy and homeowners should show proof of ownership. If insurance papers are available, they should be provided to the inspector.
The FEMA inspection process should include a complete overview for structural damage of the building. The inspector will look at the foundation, roof, flooring, drywall and ceilings of the structure. The heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical systems will also be reviewed. The inspector will create a record of all disaster related damages. A survey of damaged personal property, clothing and automobiles may also be conducted.
Inspections are conducted by companies under contract to the government and all FEMA representatives carry photo I.D. Never give information to someone without seeing an official I.D. If in doubt, call the FEMA Helpline. A FEMA inspector simply verifies and documents damages but does not make decisions about any benefits you may receive.
More than one inspection may be required, depending on the type of aid under consideration. The SBA may require its own inspection before issuing a low-interest loan. Other organizations such as the American Red Cross may make their own inspections.
It is not necessary to wait for an insurance settlement to apply for assistance. However, it is possible that an applicant will not receive an inspection until an insurance settlement has been received by FEMA.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 07-Feb-2006 11:09:09