STAY IN TOUCH WITH FEMA TO ENSURE A TIMELY HOME INSPECTION
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20230728/stay-touch-fema-ensure-timely-home-inspection]


Release Date: 
October 31, 2017 

AUSTIN, TEXAS – Texans with damages and losses from Hurricane Harvey
are encouraged to follow up with FEMA to ensure a timely inspection
and keep their recovery on track.

Following these tips will help make the process of scheduling an
inspection as smooth as possible:

	* Make sure FEMA has up-to-date contact
information.                                                         

	* This information can be updated online at DisasterAssistance.gov
[http://www.disasterassistance.gov/], by calling the FEMA Helpline at
(800) 621-3362 (voice, 711 or Voice Relay Service), TTY: (800)
462-7585, or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Find you
nearest DRC at: asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm
[http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm].

	* Answer all calls even if you don’t recognize the number;
	* Be willing to work with the inspector to schedule the earliest
available appointment;
	* Respond to any “Sorry I missed you” letters or communications
regarding your inspection as soon as possible.

If your home was found to be inaccessible at the time of inspection,
you are _REQUIRED_ to let FEMA know when the home is accessible and
request a new inspection to be issued.

	* To update your information, you must call the FEMA Helpline.

	* Callers should be prepared for a brief wait time. Try calling in
the morning or evening when wait times may be shorter.

Once the status of your home is updated and your request for a new
inspection has been made, it may take FROM 18 TO 21 DAYS BUT MAY TAKE
UP TO 45 DAYS for a FEMA-contracted inspector to contact you to
schedule your inspection.

When the inspector arrives:

	* Ask for official identification. The badge should include the
inspector’s name, company and photo.
	* Inspectors will have your case number and details about your
property.
	* Inspectors assess and verify damage caused by the disaster. There
is no inspection fee. Generally, the inspection lasts about 30 minutes
or less.

To date FEMA inspectors have completed more than a half-million home
inspections in the State of Texas.

For more information on Hurricane Harvey and Texas recovery, visit the
Hurricane Harvey disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4332
[http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4332], the FEMA Harvey Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/FEMAharvey [http://www.facebook.com/FEMAharvey], the
FEMA Region VI Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6
[https://twitter.com/FEMARegion6] or the Texas Division of Emergency
Management website at www.dps.texas.gov/dem/
[http://www.dps.texas.gov/dem/].