FEMA home inspectors are working in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties to assist with disaster recovery efforts following last August’s severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.
Home Inspections
After you apply for FEMA assistance, FEMA may call you to schedule an appointment to inspect the damage to your home. FEMA staff may call from an out-of-state, unknown or restricted phone number – it’s important to answer so your application can move forward. Failure to do so may delay the processing of your application.
FEMA inspectors are trained to recognize damage caused by a disaster even after recovery has started, and they will discuss that damage with you when they come to your home. Be prepared to show repair receipts, photos and any other disaster-related damage documentation as well.
FEMA Inspectors
FEMA inspectors carry an official FEMA photo ID. If a badge is not visible, ask the inspector to show it to you.
FEMA inspectors will already have your nine-digit registration number and will never ask for money.
Don’t give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector: FEMA inspectors are not authorized to collect your financial information or ask for your Social Security number.
If a FEMA inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used to apply without your knowledge. If so, please inform the inspector that you did not apply so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.
If you suspect identity theft, please visit IdentityTheft.gov.
If you have questions about whether someone is representing FEMA, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you call.
To watch an accessible video about FEMA home inspections, visit FEMA Accessible: Home Inspections - YouTube.
How to Apply
FEMA Individual Assistance can help you pay for disaster-caused expenses not covered by other sources. There are two types: Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance. Housing Assistance helps cover basic home repairs and requires an inspection. Other Needs Assistance does not require an inspection and helps with childcare, transportation, medical and dental, funeral costs, moving and storage, and other serious needs.
To apply for both types, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
Disaster Recovery Centers will soon be opening in the hardest-impacted areas, where FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration specialists can help you upload documents, answer questions and learn about available resources. For locations and hours, visit fema.gov/drc.
For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757.