Week 3: Public and Private Damage Assessments

Navigating the process of assessing damage to a home can be a complex and daunting task. However, with a systematic approach and a thorough understanding of the established procedures, you can significantly increase your chances of success. This comprehensive guide will lead you through the intricacies of conducting a thorough damage assessment, ensuring that no crucial detail is overlooked. By following each step diligently, you can rest assured knowing that you've done everything in your power to accurately evaluate the extent of the damage, setting the foundation for effective recovery efforts.

FEMA inspectors typically begin with a remote inspection. This involves assessing the extent of damage based on information provided by the applicant. They may use phone calls or virtual tools to gather details about the affected property. The outcome of this remote inspection determines whether a physical, on-site inspection is deemed necessary. It's important for applicants to provide accurate and comprehensive information during this initial phase to ensure an accurate assessment of the damage. FEMA classified your home as safe and habitable once you returned to your home and gave up your temporary shelter. This told FEMA that your roof was sound, walls, windows, doors, floors were all structually safe and secure.
If you don't adhere to the fundamentals of FEMA's process, you might be categorized as having "Minor Damage" even before a physical inspection takes place. It underscores the importance of understanding and following FEMA's guidelines right from the start.

FEMA published the following steps to take while you are waiting for your inspection.
I'll be adding more details between their process steps.
FEMA: Preparing for Your Inspection
Do not wait for the inspection to take place to do the following: You should be listening to your insurance inspector before FEMA at this point. If you do not have insurance you will need to proceed with a plan which will be layed out here.

• File a claim with your insurance company, if you have insurance. Yes, and wait for a call from your inspector to ask what they need for you to do. Most likely they will tell you not to touch anything.
• Start cleaning up now, if it is safe to do so.Your insurance inspector will ask you to clean up after they finish their inspection. If you ask to document everything start with your personal property. Don't simply take things to the street, document, review, identify what can be repaired or recovered.
• Take photos of any damage. This is the first task you must do once you return to your home even if only to documement damage. Their is a specific order of picture taking and until your inspector tells you to enter the home all your pictures will be exterior at first.
• Make a list of your losses.Making a list of all personal property losses will help you understand your total losses. You must first identify any property that FEMA may actually assist with and you will be filing an appeal after they deny you personal property damage reimbursements.
• Keep all receipts to verify expenses caused by the disaster.FEMA can and will reimburse you for transportation costs, temporary shelter costs, meals, clothing etc. in the early days after a disaster. This is the expenses you incure while displaced from your primary residence.

Your family spent three days in a hotel following a disaster and later returned home. Afterward, you filed for assistance with FEMA, and they reimbursed you for the three days you were away from your home. FEMA has also categorized your home as having minor damage because you were occupying it and didn't request a health and safety inspection. Now, FEMA is set to schedule a remote damage assessment, which typically results in funding of less than $5,000 for repairs.

This $5,000 threshold also influences how your damage assessment is categorized for other agencies. Consequently, any additional expenses for damages that exceed this amount become your responsibility and are not eligible for long-term recovery grants, such as HUD CDBG-DR grants.

It's crucial to keep in mind that your claims will be subject to auditing. When you signed the registration agreement with the statement "I do hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct," you committed to providing accurate information and adhering to the policies and procedures in place. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that your application remains truthful and aligns with the established guidelines at all times.

Publishing individual appeals may not be an effective method for assisting with your specific appeal. However, offering guidance on how to write an appeal based on well-defined categories for appeals can be a more efficient and helpful approach. This way, individuals can better understand the process and structure their appeals accordingly, increasing their chances of success.

TIP: Federal agencies often employ temporary labor workers who undergo condensed training following agency-specific guidelines. When submitting an appeal, it's essential to avoid making it personal or expressing emotional thoughts. FEMA agents are already aware that you've been impacted by a disaster, so there's no need to reiterate it in your disaster assistance appeal.

On this website, you'll discover specific writing techniques that may or may not align with your natural style but can be utilized effectively by you. As the author of Wind Rain Flood, I frequently encourage people to copy and paste my suggested content and then personalize it with your own greeting and closing. Allow me to provide you with the necessary policy references and expertise to enhance your chances of success in winning your appeal.