FEMA Inspectors Are On The Ground, Assessing Damage
Release Date: October 13, 2008
Release Number: 1800-007
» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms and Flooding
CHICAGO, Ill. -- Inspectors working for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are out in the field assessing property damage from the severe storms and flooding Sept. 13 to Oct. 5.
The President signed a federal disaster declaration on Oct. 3 for seven Illinois counties Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, LaSalle and Will and since that time 2,460 inspections have been completed.
"We are working quickly to meet the needs of those affected by the disaster," said FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer Libby Turner. "Applicants should keep in mind that a FEMA inspector is sent to document damage, not to determine whether someone is eligible for assistance."
Understanding the Inspection Process
- Before an inspector can be assigned, residents in the affected counties must register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585, or by going online at www.fema.gov.
Following are some important facts about the inspection process:
- A FEMA damage inspection is free.
- FEMA inspectors contact applicants by phone to make an appointment; they don't just show up at a property.
- Applicants must provide the inspector with a contact phone number and street address; post office boxes do not show locations.
- Applicants must provide clear directions to the damaged property.
- An inspector will try three times to contact an applicant by phone for an appointment. If no one responds by then, delays may occur.
- If applicants haven not heard from an inspector after a week to 10 days from registration, they can follow up by calling FEMA's helpline at: 800-621-FEMA (8862) and pressing the help option.
- Owners and renters must show proof of occupancy, such as a valid driver's license.
- Owners must show proof of ownership, such as property tax receipts. Some forms also will need to be signed.
- Each inspection generally takes 30 to 40 minutes.
Be Alert for Inspectors Pretending to be from FEMA
Sometimes scam artists will pretend to be FEMA inspectors and request a fee. Again, official FEMA inspectors never ask for money.
Inspectors carry official photo identification with their name printed on the badge, a FEMA seal and expiration date. The ID also includes a "property of the U.S." disclaimer, a return address and a bar code.
If you suspect foul play, or any other crime connected to the disaster, such as someone making fraudulent claims about damage, please contact your local police or call the Inspector General's fraud hotline at: 800-323-8608.
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.
SBA is the federal government's primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 or online at www.sba.gov.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, economic status or retaliation. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, you should call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or contact your State Office of Equal Rights. If suspicious of any abuse of FEMA programs, please contact the fraud hotline at 800-323-8603.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 14-Oct-2008 11:54:44