After you register for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a FEMA inspector will contact you to schedule an inspection for your damaged home.
What you need to know:
- If your original registration included that your home was inaccessible, visit DisasterAssistance.gov to update its status.
- It may take up to 21 days for a FEMA-contracted inspector to contact an applicant to schedule an inspection.
- If you are unable to meet the inspector, you can request an “authorized agent” – such as a trusted neighbor or relative – be at the inspection. If you do not have someone who can serve as your agent, and the home can be accessed for inspection, the inspector can arrange for a FEMA employee to act as your agent and represent your interests.
- When the inspector arrives, ask for official ID. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof.
- The badge should include the inspector’s name, company and photo.
- The inspector will assess and verify damage caused by the disaster. There is no inspection fee. Generally, the inspection lasts about 30 minutes or less.
- If you are a homeowner, the inspector will verify identification, proof of ownership and occupancy. If you are a renter, the inspector will verify identification and occupancy via a rental agreement, recent utility bill, etc.
- Be aware of scams. Disasters often bring out criminals who prey on the needs of survivors. Call law enforcement immediately if someone claiming to be an inspector does not show you a badge with a photo or asks for money. Guard your personal information.
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