If you applied to FEMA for assistance, FEMA will contact you to set up a home inspection. Inspectors will review damages from the June 14-15, 2025, storms and look at the condition of your home. Here’s what to expect from the home inspection process.
Before a FEMA inspection
After you apply for disaster assistance, FEMA may do an inspection to verify damage to your home.
Within 10 days of submitting an application, FEMA staff and inspectors may call to schedule an appointment for an inspection. The call will probably come from an out-of-state phone number. It’s important to answer this call.
An inspector will attempt to contact you three times over three different days. If they cannot reach you after three attempts, your case will be paused until you contact FEMA again.
A FEMA inspector will schedule a time to visit your home. They will not show up to your home without an appointment.
Have the following documents and information ready for the inspection:
- Your FEMA application number.
- Photo identification.
- Proof that you owned or occupied the house at the time of the disaster.
- A list of occupants living in the home at the time of disaster.
- A list of disaster-caused damage to both your home and personal property. Collect any photos or videos of the damage.
- Your insurance policy information.
During a FEMA inspection
The process usually takes 30 to 40 minutes. Show the inspector any photos or videos you took of damage to your home.
If you had damage to a private well, bridge, or road, share that information with the inspector.
The inspector will:
- Verify your name, address, contact information, and insurance information;
- Confirm the individuals living in your disaster-damaged residence; bedrooms occupied; clothing, medical, dental, transportation, or miscellaneous losses; and items you purchased as a result of the disaster (e.g., chainsaw, dehumidifier);
- Assess your home’s structure, furniture, and appliances for damage caused by the disaster;
- Document your residence’s square footage, foundation, and structural type (e.g., one or multiple stories);
- Record the cause of damage, applicable water levels, impacted utilities, and accessibility features;
- Confirm with you all damage has been viewed and discussed, and;
- Describe next steps in the FEMA process.
The inspector will always have an official FEMA badge and will never ask for your Social Security number.
If you are unable to meet with the FEMA inspector for an in-person inspection, you can have a friend or relative meet with the inspector on your behalf. But first, you must provide FEMA with a signed request document for another person to be at your home for the inspection. This document allows another person—who is at least 18 years old—to meet with the inspector and talk about your case with FEMA.
After a FEMA inspection
Within 7-14 days following an inspector’s visit, you will receive a letter or electronic correspondence from FEMA. Please read your letter carefully. Your letter may have information about next steps you need to take.
Please note: not all losses require an inspection. You should also monitor your mail or your FEMA Online Account at DisasterAssistance.gov and respond to any requests from FEMA.
For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www.fema.gov/disaster/4884, and www.facebook.com/FEMA.
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