Sacramento, CA…After residents in Lake and Calaveras Counties affected by the Valley and Butte Fires apply for federal disaster assistance for damage to their homes, the next step is a housing inspection. A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) inspector will contact you to schedule an appointment 7-10 days after registration. The inspection is needed to verify and assess damages listed in your application. The inspection generally takes 30-40 minutes and consists of a general inspection of the home. There is no fee for the inspection.

When a FEMA housing inspector meets with you, be sure they show you proper identification. All FEMA inspectors have prominent photo ID badges. If you are not shown photo identification, then do not allow the inspection. Beware of scams and scam artists. If you suspect someone is posing as a FEMA inspector, call our toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or call your local law enforcement officials.

It is important to note that throughout the recovery process, applicants may receive a visit from more than one inspector. In addition to FEMA housing inspectors, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as well as state and local officials may visit neighborhoods in affected areas, as well as inspectors from insurance companies.

When a FEMA Housing Inspector visits your home, someone 18 years of age or older who lived in the household prior to the disaster must be present for the scheduled appointment. The inspector will ask to see:

Photo identification.
Proof of ownership/occupancy of damaged residence such as: structural insurance, a tax bill, mortgage payment book or utility bill.
Insurance documents: home and/or auto (structural insurance/auto declaration sheet).
List of household occupants living in residence at time of disaster.
Disaster related damages to both real and personal property.

Once the inspection process is complete, your case will be reviewed by FEMA and you will receive an eligibility determination letter within a week of the inspection.

Survivors are encouraged to apply for assistance by calling 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362 to register. Online registration is also available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by using a web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also contact the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 – deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.