The inspection is an important step in processing your application.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has inspectors in Chilton and Jefferson counties surveying damaged and destroyed homes and property.

If you suffered damage from the Jan. 22-23 tornadoes and storms in Chilton or Jefferson counties and applied for help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, you may be eligible for grants to help pay for rental housing, essential home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.

The approval process begins with an inspection of your property by an authorized FEMA inspector. The inspector will be a private contractor and will always wear an identification badge. The inspector will first contact you to make an appointment, and then will visit your property to confirm the information you provided when you registered with FEMA. 

Be aware that the U.S. Small Business Administration and various insurance companies may also have inspectors working in your area.

How the process works

·         Once you register with FEMA - either online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) - a FEMA inspector will call and set up a time to see your damaged property.

·         Be sure to keep your scheduled appointment to keep the process moving quickly. You - or someone who is 18 or older and lived in the household prior to the disaster - must be present for the scheduled appointment.

·         The inspector will ask for identification and proof of ownership and occupancy (for homeowners) and occupancy only (for renters). You can speed up the process by having the appropriate documents on hand:

o   A photo ID to prove identity, such as a driver's license or passport.

o   Proof of occupancy, which may include any one of the following:

o   A lease, rent payment receipt, utility bill or other document confirming the home was the primary residence at the time of the disaster.

§  An employee pay stub and similar documents addressed to the applicant and showing the address of the damaged home.

     o   Proof of ownership, which may include any one of the following:

§  Deed showing applicant as the legal owner.

§  Title that lists applicant on actual escrow or title document for the purchase of the home; mortgage payment book that names the applicant along with the address of the damaged home.

§  Property insurance policy for the damaged home with applicant's name listed as the insured.

§  Tax receipts or a property tax bill that lists the address of the damaged home and the applicant as the responsible party to the assessments.

·         During the visit, your inspector will review both structural and personal property damage. A typical inspection takes 15 to 45 minutes.

·         The inspector will file a report on his findings but will not determine eligibility or assign any monetary value to your damage or losses.

·         Within 10 days after the inspector's visit, you will receive a joint letter from FEMA and the state containing a decision on your application. Your letter also may contain a low-interest disaster loan application from the SBA. You don't have to apply for or accept an SBA loan. However, simply completing and submitting the SBA loan application opens the door to other possible forms of assistance.

·         If you have questions about your decision letter, you can call the FEMA helpline number - 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).

·         If you are approved for FEMA assistance, you will receive either a check or an electronic funds transfer to your bank. Along with the payment, you'll receive a letter explaining how the money can be used.

·         If you receive a letter from FEMA saying you are ineligible for assistance, be sure to read the letter very carefully. You can still be approved for FEMA help. You may simply need to provide further information or documentation in order to qualify and the letter will explain exactly what additional information you need to send in. You also may receive a denial letter from FEMA because you're still awaiting a decision from your insurance carrier.

·         If you ever have questions about the progress of your application, you have many resources for information:

o   Go online anytime to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

o   Call 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585 (These toll-free telephone numbers are staffed daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., until further notice.) Help is available in most languages.

o   Use your smart phone or Web-enabled device to visit m.FEMA.gov.

o   If you would like to speak with someone face to face, FEMA encourages you to visit a disaster recovery center in your area. For a list of centers, visit www.FEMA.gov/DRCLocator or call 800-621-FEMA.

o   Survivors who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY can call 800-462-7585 directly; if they use 711 or Video Relay Service, they can call 800-621-3362. Survivors also can register online anytime at www.DisasterAssistance.gov .

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.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

FEMA's temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.