Expect a FEMA housing inspector to contact you if you’ve applied for FEMA help, and had damage to your home or rental in one of the designated parishes.

Here’s what you need to know about the inspection process:

It’s important to update your contact information to make sure an inspector contacts you.

  • There are three ways to update your contact information:
    • Going online to www.disasterassistance.gov.
    • Downloading and using the FEMA app.
    • If you’re unable to access the website or app, call the FEMA helpline at 800-321-3362. If you use TTY, call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

Everyone should know:

  • The FEMA inspector will show a photo ID badge.
  • If you are not shown photo identification, then allow the inspection.
  • If you suspect someone is posing as a FEMA inspector, call your local law enforcement agency immediately.
  • You may receive visits from more than one inspector. Other inspectors may represent federal, state, parish and local government agencies, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the National Flood Insurance Program or insurance companies.
  • Representatives of volunteer agencies may contact you to offer their services.

It’s important to know:

  • You must be an adult 18 or older who lived in the residence before the disaster.
  • You have to be present for the inspection.
  • You must have the following documents:
  • Photo identification;
  • Proof of ownership and occupancy of the damaged residence such as: property tax bill; mortgage payment bill or receipt, or utility service bill;
  • Homeowner and vehicle insurance documents;
  • List of persons living in residence at time of disaster that you compiled; and
  • List of disaster damage to the home and its contents that you compiled.

Be aware that:

  • The inspection cannot be completed until your home is dry or an inspector can access your home.
  • Inspector will return to finish the inspection once the water is gone.

Most important to know:

You cannot get an inspection without registering with FEMA. There are several ways to register.

  • Register online at www.disasterassistance.gov.
  • Download and use the FEMA app. The app also provides Disaster Recovery Center locations where you can get free face-to-face help.
  • Call the FEMA helpline 800-621-3362.
  • If you use TTY call 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) call 800-621-3362.

Call the FEMA helpline if you have questions from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. FEMA housing inspectors will remain in Louisiana as long as it takes to complete all inspections, even for homes where water is slow to recede.

What happens after an inspection of your damaged residence?

The purpose of FEMA assistance is to restore a dwelling to safe, sanitary and secure condition based on the number of permanent occupants.

  • It will not restore the entire dwelling to pre-disaster condition.

FEMA will review your case after the inspection. You will receive an eligibility determination letter within a week.

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