Inspectors Visit Damaged Ga. Properties

“Damage inspectors are now in the field visiting people who have filed applications for assistance, Nick Russo, an official with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),” said in a joint statement with State Coordinating Officer Mike Sherberger, director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA).

Residents who have applied for disaster assistance can expect to hear from one or more inspectors who will schedule a visit to look at damaged property, according to federal and state recovery officials.

“One or more different inspectors may come to look at damaged property. FEMA schedules inspections within 7 to 10 days to verify losses,” Russo, serving as federal coordinating officer for disaster recovery operations, said. “The U.S. Small Business Administration sends loss verifiers to inspect damaged property of those who have submitted completed loan applications.”

The American Red Cross also sends staff to meet with disaster victims; local building and safety inspectors may also come to see if damaged structures are safe. GEMA Director Mike Sherberger stressed that all authorized inspectors and verifiers carry official photo identification. “We advise applicants to ask for identification from everyone claiming to be a damage inspector. If an inspector is not wearing an identification card or badge, ask to see it.”

As of Thursday morning, 1,664 Georgia residents have applied for aid by calling the toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Eligible counties include Carroll, Cherokee, Cobb, Dawson, Dade, DeKalb, Early, Franklin, Fulton, Gilmer, Madison, Miller, Pickens, Rabun, Towns, Union and White. Assistance is still available. Persons who are speech or hearing impaired can call TTY 1-800-462-7585.