FEMA Inspectors Visiting Damaged Properties
Release Date: June 11, 2004
Release Number: 1519-006
» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms and Flooding
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Homeowners, renters, and business owners who have applied for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after the flooding that began May 18, will be hearing soon from damage inspectors. FEMA schedules inspections to verify losses, usually within seven to 10 days after residents apply.
“You must first apply for disaster assistance before inspectors can view your damaged property,” said Brad Gair, federal coordinating officer for the disaster recovery.
If you sustained damage and have not yet applied, call the FEMA toll-free application number, 1-800-621-FEMA [3362]. The number is (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for those with hearing or speech impairment.
An inspector first examines any structural damage to your house, then assesses damage, such as to the heating and electrical systems. The inspector also reports serious needs, such as lost or damaged clothing and household items. Homeowners should identify all known damages and tell the inspector if they have a septic system or well.
To establish eligibility, property owners and renters should be able to show personal identification and proof of occupancy. Homeowners should also show proof of ownership to the inspector. If insurance papers are available, residents should show them to the inspector as well.
FEMA inspectors will always make an appointment in advance and will have photo identification. Inspectors never ask residents for fees or payments, and never recommend a contractor to do needed work.
“We advise applicants to ask for identification from anyone identifying themselves as a FEMA inspector or U.S. Small Business Administration loss verifier,” said Dale Shipley, Ohio’s state coordinating officer for the recovery. “If an inspector is not wearing an identification card or badge, ask to see it,” Shipley said.
If you want to verify the identity of someone claiming to be an inspector, call the toll-free FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for hearing and speech impaired.
If you suspect fraud, call the police, sheriff or the Ohio Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section (1-800-282-0515) at once.
The Ohio EMA coordinates State assistance and resources during an emergency and prepares the state for all hazards through planning, training, exercises and funding activities at the state and local level. This includes providing assistance to individuals and administering state and federal assistance to individuals and governmental entities recovering from disaster-related damage and costs. Ohio EMA coordinates homeland security funding, weapons of mass destruction training, anti-terrorism planning and training, and assists local and state agencies determine homeland strategies and priorities.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 11-Jun-2004 16:46:34