FEMA Completes More Than 266,000 Home Inspections
Release Date: October 14, 2008
Release Number: 1791-131
» More Information on Texas Hurricane Ike
AUSTIN, Texas -- More than 2,300 contract inspectors from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have completed more than 266,000 inspections of homes damaged by Hurricane Ike. The inspectors now average 12,000 homes a day.
Damage inspections are free and generally take from 30-45 minutes. FEMA contract inspectors wear official photo identification. They have construction and/or appraisal expertise and receive disaster specific training.
Applicants are reminded to keep the information on their applications current so an inspector can reach them. To update their information, applicants should call FEMA's Helpline, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.
Here is FEMA's procedure for home inspections:
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An inspector calls the contact number given by the applicant and makes an appointment.
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The inspector tries a minimum of three times to contact the applicant. The inspector will call at different times on different days in the hope of finding someone at home. Inspectors will call any number of times since they cover specified areas and may be visiting nearby homes. This persistence pays off. Only 3 percent of applicants fail to get their homes inspected because they could not be reached.
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If attempts to reach the applicant are unsuccessful, the inspector posts a letter on the applicant's door with a phone number to call for an appointment.
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If applicants have evacuated to another area and cannot return for the mandatory damage inspection, they can authorize an agent to be present on their behalf.
- As part of the inspection process, homeowners are asked to show proof of ownershipa tax bill, deed, mortgage payment receipt or insurance policy with the property's address. Renters must show proof of occupancya lease, rent payment receipt, utility bill or other document confirming the home was their primary residence at the time of the disaster. Both homeowners and renters must also have a valid driver's license or other photo identification.
To speed the inspection process, applicants should:
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Make sure their home/mailbox number can be easily seen from the road.
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Keep their appointment or notify the inspector if a postponement is necessary.
- Stay in touch, including telling neighbors where they can be contacted.
Inspectors document the damage but do not determine the resident's eligibility. They check for damage to the building structure and its systems, major appliances and any damaged septic systems and wells. Residents should tell the inspector about other important losses such as clothing, medical equipment, tools needed for a trade and educational materials. Inspectors then relay this information to FEMA.
Texans who suffered damage or losses caused by Hurricane Ike and have not yet registered for disaster assistance should call the FEMA Helpline, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. To register online, visit the FEMA website www.fema.gov.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 15-Oct-2008 08:24:20