FEMA Inspectors Circulating In Disaster Declared Alabama Counties 

Release Date: July 19, 2005
Release Number: 1593-013

» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Dennis

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is continuing to send contract inspectors throughout the designated Alabama counties to examine structural damage to dwellings and other damage to personal property as a result of Hurricane Dennis. These inspectors will visit current applicants and assess the extent of damage to a home or building to determine if it's safe, sanitary and functional. They will also report on other losses or damage to personal property.

When the inspectors arrive, applicants should be prepared to show proof of ownership and occupancy through copies of bills or other official documents. "There is no need to wait for a FEMA inspector's visit before beginning cleanup," FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer James Russo added. "It's recommended that you photograph the damage prior to cleanup. You should also keep receipts for completed disaster damage repairs."

Here's how the process works:

Within 7 to 10 days of registering, a FEMA inspector will call you to arrange an appointment to visit your damaged dwelling and verify losses.

The inspection is mandatory. Before an application can be approved, the location must be inspected to verify the nature and extent of damage suffered by those who have registered for federal disaster assistance.

The U.S. Small Business Administration sends loss verifiers to inspect damaged property of those who have submitted completed loan applications. The Red Cross also sends inspectors to meet with disaster victims. Local building and safety inspectors may come to see if damaged structures are safe.

Inspectors will be able to show you official identification to prove their identity. If inspectors asking for access to your home cannot show you a photo ID, do not let them into your home and call your local law enforcement agency. Damage inspectors do not recommend repairs or charge for their services.

If you receive a letter from FEMA after registering that indicates that you are not qualified for any assistance and you reported at registration that you had insurance, the letter may not be the final answer.

Once your insurance company settles your claim and you feel you still have the need for assistance, call FEMA, give them your control number and update your registration information. You may be eligible for assistance after your insurance company settles.

If you qualify for FEMA Individuals and Households Program, you will receive a grant check and separate letter explaining how you may use the check. You may get checks from other programs later.

Homeowners may use FEMA housing repair grants for essential repairs to make the residence safe and livable. The housing repair grant is only for repairs to make primary rooms functional, such as the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom.

You may be provided a grant for rental assistance if your home or apartment is unlivable because of the disaster.

Disaster Recovery Centers may be located in your area to provide a place you can ask questions and talk with disaster recovery specialists face-to-face. Call 1 800 621-FEMA (3362) for locations.

FEMA assistance does not make you whole again, but it can give you a helping hand on the road to recovery.

FEMA INFORMATION

After you have applied for assistance, the FEMA Disaster toll-free line registration/help, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 is a very useful resource. You may ask about the status of your application or how money from various assistance programs may be used, get information on the flood insurance program, or get materials on low-cost ways to reduce future disaster damages.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following an incident of national significance. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 20-Jul-2005 08:24:36