FEMA begins inspections of damaged homes

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has started inspecting and assessing damaged homes of applicants who registered for assistance.

In a statement, FEMA said the inspections began late Wednesday, and applicants across Saipan will continue to be receiving inspection appointment calls in the coming days and weeks.

Registered survivors will be contacted by a FEMA inspector to schedule an appointment for an inspection, so registrants do not need to contact FEMA to set up an inspection.

According to FEMA, the inspection generally takes 30-40 minutes or less and consists of a general inspection of damaged areas of the home and a review of the applicant’s records.

The public is reminded that there is no fee for the inspection.

Inspections

The public is reminded that FEMA inspectors have prominent photo ID badges.

If a resident is not shown a photo identification, then the resident should not allow the inspection.

FEMA cautions that disasters often bring out criminals who prey on the needs of disaster survivors, so beware of scams and scam artists.

Residents are urged to call the toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 if they suspect someone is posing as a FEMA inspector or call local law enforcement officials.

When a FEMA Housing Inspector visits your home, someone 18 years of age or older who lived in the household prior to the disaster must be present for the scheduled appointment.

The inspector will ask to see photo identification, proof of ownership/occupancy of damaged residence (structural insurance, tax bill, mortgage payment book/utility bill), insurance documents: home and/or auto (structural insurance/auto declaration sheet).

List of household occupants living in residence at time of disaster, and all disaster-related damages to both real and personal property.

If you are unable to provide traditional proof of ownership/occupancy (such as tax bill, mortgage payment books, deed, title, insurance), you can get a signed letter by a local precinct representative to validate the physical location of a home/dwelling (a P.O. Box address is not sufficient). 

Letters can be picked up at fire stations in Kagman, Garapan, Susupe, San Roque, and Koblerville.

Letters can also be obtained at the Disaster Recovery Center located at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe, and shelters located at Kagman Community Center, Tanapag Head Start, and Saipan Aging Center.

Once filled out, please take the form to your local fire station. They will provide you with a contact number to reach your local precinct representative to validate.

If you have been displaced and need transportation to and from the housing inspection, you can contact the Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority at (670) 237-8000 to schedule transportation.

Once the inspection process is complete, your case will be reviewed by FEMA and you will receive a letter or email outlining the decision about your claim.

Those who have suffered losses as a result of Typhoon Soudelor but have not yet applied for assistance are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Survivors can register by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for survivors with hearing disabilities. Online registration is also available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

Disaster planning

FEMA also announced yesterday that disaster recovery support services will resume today, Aug. 17, now that Tropical Storm Goni and the follow-on monsoonal rains begin to subside in the Saipan area.

The Disaster Recovery Center at the Pedro P Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe will reopen today, Aug. 17, at 8am. Hours of operation is Monday to Saturdays 8am to 5pm; Sundays 10am to 4pm.

With another tropical storm coming, Veronica Verde, FEMA external affairs officer, said the public is strongly recommended to “be prepared and have a plan.”

“FEMA is still on island, register still, but priority will be preparedness,” she said, adding that FEMA is strongly recommending that the public take storm warnings “seriously” and if possible, prepare early.

The public is also recommend to build a kit, stock up on supplies such as non-perishable food, water, batteries for battery-powered AM/FM radios and flashlights, first aid kit, cash and gasoline.

One way to have a plan is to discuss with your family how you will communicate with each other after a storm when phone and internet might be down.

FEMA is recommending that the public monitor local radio stations for the latest updates, and follow the guidance of the government regarding sheltering and evacuations.

Survivors are encouraged to apply for assistance before coming to the DRC by calling 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362 to register. Online registration is also available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. If survivors are unable to register prior to visiting the DRC, there will be a phone bank available for registration or helpline support.