WARREN, Mich. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that more than 400 housing inspectors are in Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties reaching out to Michigan homeowners and renters who have registered with FEMA for disaster assistance.

These FEMA inspectors are scheduling appointments with registered applicants to document the extent of damage to thousands of properties, but do not determine whether a particular applicant qualifies for FEMA assistance.  

Inspectors will make multiple attempts to contact an applicant and set an appointment for the inspection. Residents who have not received a call from an inspector within one week of registering should call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.

Homeowners must be able to verify their identity and provide proof of ownership of the property. Renters can show occupancy proof with a driver’s license or a recent utility bill.

Within a few days after the inspection, applicants will be notified by letter, text or email alert to advise them of the decision about their claim. Applicants appealing a decision may do so in writing within 60 days of the decision.

Guidelines for appeals can be found in the Applicant’s Handbook sent to everyone who registers with FEMA.

FEMA’s contracted housing inspectors carry FEMA identification and are thoroughly trained. These inspectors use specialized software to ensure every resident receives the same inspection for consideration.

Experienced inspectors re-visit a random sample of applicants to assess the quality and content of the inspection performed.

Residents can register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a smart phone or Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-FEMA (3362). TTY users may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195
Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

FEMA News Desk: (586) 574-4222
EMHSD contact: Ron Leix (517) 336-6464