Residents and business owners who applied for federal assistance resulting from the severe storms and flooding in April will hear soon from damage inspectors.
People who suffered losses in Bath, Bourbon, Carter, Elliott, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Rowan, and Scott counties may be eligible for assistance by registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Following registration, FEMA usually schedules inspections within seven (7) to 10 days. An inspector first examines structural damage to a house or business, then assesses damage to appliances, such as the washer, dryer, refrigerator, and stove. The inspector also gathers information about serious needs, such as lost or damaged clothing. Homeowners should identify all known damages and tell the inspector if they have a septic system or a well.
Property owners need to show proof of ownership and occupancy. Renters need to show proof of occupancy. If insurance papers are available, residents should show them to the inspector.
Inspectors will ask applicants to show identification. At the same time, applicants should ask for identification from everyone identifying themselves as damage inspectors. All inspectors carry official photo identification.
“If an inspector is not wearing an identification card or badge, please make sure you ask to see it,” said Joe M. Girot, FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer for Kentucky.
Girot said it is also important to keep in mind that official inspectors do not charge for this service.
Those who have suffered losses as a result of the April storms, but have not yet applied for assistance are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.
The fastest and easiest way to register for assistance is online at: http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA). The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. eastern, seven days a week until further notice.
(story provided by FEMA)
