When The Inspector Comes To Inspect Your Flood Damaged Home
Release Date: September 30, 2002
Release Number: 1434-05
» More Information on Texas Tropical Storm Fay
San Antonio, TX -- People living in the nine declared counties affected by Tropical Storm Fay and waiting to have their homes inspected by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA) or insurance companies need to be ready to show the inspector information about their flood-damaged properties. Having the necessary documentation can help speed up the inspection process.
The damage inspection is part of the recovery process. All inspectors will schedule appointments with you. FEMA inspectors, SBA loss verifiers and insurance adjusters are required to carry identification. If an inspector comes to your home, ask to see identification.
After applying for disaster assistance by calling the FEMA registration number, 1 800-621-FEMA (3362), an inspector will contact you to schedule an appointment to inspect your home. It is important that you provide a current phone number where you can be reached.
When the inspector calls, be sure to provide clear, accurate directions to the damaged property. A street address is needed. Post office boxes do not show locations. 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.
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.
The inspector will come to your home at the scheduled time.You may see inspectors in your neighborhood. They 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 your home and review of your records. The inspector puts information into an electronic device that sends the information to FEMA, which speeds up the process of providing assistance to disaster victims. The inspector does not determine whether an applicant is eligible for assistance.
"FEMA housing inspectors are in the field and visiting damaged homes as quickly as possible to speed assistance to the people who need it," said Scott Wells, federal coordinating officer.
An SBA loss verifier will contact you to schedule an appointment after SBA receives your completed loan application. SBA loan eligibility is based on verification of damages to property and contents.
"We are working hard to get assistance to everyone in need in a fast, effective manner," said Duke Mazurek, state coordinating officer.
Last Modified: Thursday, 31-Jul-2003 11:25:55