What to expect after registering with FEMA

After registering for FEMA assistance, you can expect visits from a variety of authorized agents who perform an important step moving your recovery process forward.

Depending on individual situations those visits may be from a FEMA-contracted inspector, local insurance adjuster and local building and code inspector.

The FEMA-contracted inspector will call to make an appointment to meet you at your damaged residence to verify your damages. It is important that you keep the appointment with the inspector.

When you meet the inspector, ask to see the inspector’s FEMA contractor photo-identification badge. Also, each person who registers with FEMA is provided a unique disaster registration number. The inspector will know that number and you may verify that number with the inspector.

If you reported to FEMA that your residence was damaged, the inspector is there to verify that damage. It’s all part of the process to determine the amount and kind of assistance for which you are eligible.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) inspector determines whether the house is livable by checking the structure itself, including heating, plumbing, electrical, flooring, sheetrock, ceilings, roof and foundation.

Damage to major appliances such as washer, dryer, refrigerator and stove is assessed. Other serious needs are determined, such as clothing that was lost or damaged due to the disaster.