FEMA housing inspections underway: What to expect

Federal Emergency Management Agency housing inspectors have begun assessing damaged homes of applicants who registered with FEMA for damage sustained in Typhoon Soudelor. The inspections began late on 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. The inspection is needed to verify and assess damages listed in your application. 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 your records. There is no fee for the inspection.

When a FEMA housing inspector comes to visit your home, be sure they show you proper identification. All FEMA inspectors have prominent photo ID badges. If you are not shown photo identification, then do not allow the inspection. Unfortunately, disasters often bring out criminals who prey on the needs of disaster survivors – so beware of scams and scam artists.

“If you suspect someone is posing as a FEMA inspector, call our toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or call your local law enforcement officials,” said Steve DeBlasio, FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer for the response.

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.

– 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

* Kagman

* Garapan

* Susupe

* San Roque

* Koblerville

– The Disaster Recovery Center located at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe

– Shelters located at:

* Kagman Community Center

* Tanapag Headstart

* 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 24/7 at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. (FEMA)