Release Date: February 18, 2008
Release Number: 1744-016

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Inspectors from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and some insurance companies are currently visiting the damaged homes of registered applicants. Homeowners, renters and businesses in Baxter, Conway, Izard, Pope, Sharp, Randolph, Stone and Van Buren counties who apply for disaster assistance should know that once they register, a damage inspector will be on the way.

After a person registers for assistance, a damage inspector will usually contact them within five to seven days to schedule an appointment for a home inspection. Residents who suffered damages can register by calling, toll free, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those with hearing or speech-impairments. Operators are available from 7 a.m. to midnight CST, seven days a week. Residents may also register anytime online at www.fema.gov.

The free damage inspection takes about 30 to 40 minutes and consists of inspecting all damages and reviewing some personal records. Inspectors enter information on site into hand-held computers and relay information directly to the FEMA offices to speed the process of providing assistance. The inspector will not determine whether the applicant is eligible for assistance.

For safety reasons, all applicants should know that legitimate FEMA inspectors, SBA loss verifiers and insurance adjusters are required to carry current photo identification. Any inspector will provide identification and only visit houses previously scheduled for inspection.

The type of records required by the inspector will be documents that can prove the damaged property was a primary residence at the time of the disaster. Homeowners should be ready to provide written confirmation of ownership, such as a home insurance policy, tax receipt, title, or mortgage payment book listing the address of the damaged property. For renters, proof of occupancy may be a valid driver's license or a current utility bill such as an electric, gas, or water bill.