{"id":57328,"date":"2017-10-07T09:47:10","date_gmt":"2017-10-07T09:47:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/viconsortium.com\/?p=57328"},"modified":"2017-10-07T09:47:10","modified_gmt":"2017-10-07T09:47:10","slug":"fema-housing-inspectors-on-ground-in-u-s-virgin-islands-neighborhoods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/wp.viconsortium.com\/?p=57328","title":{"rendered":"FEMA Housing Inspectors On Ground In U.S. Virgin Islands Neighborhoods"},"content":{"rendered":"

Housing inspectors from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are visiting neighborhoods in the Virgin Islands to verify damages caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria, the federal agency announced Friday.<\/p>\n

Inspectors will contact survivors who have registered with FEMA. They will first call survivors in advance of the visit to set up an appointment. If they are unable to reach a survivor by phone due to the current communications outages, they may visit a residence without a confirmed appointment.<\/p>\n

The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency has asked that survivors place visible plot numbers on their property to ensure inspectors can identify the property.<\/p>\n

\u201cA housing inspection is an important early step in the recovery process, as it helps us determine how FEMA and our recovery partners can best assist you,\u201d said Federal Coordinating Officer William Vogel. \u201cWe urge residents to make themselves as readily available as they can to meet with their housing inspector.\u201d<\/p>\n

FEMA understands that some Virgin Islanders with property damage may have temporarily relocated off the islands. We are asking family and friends to let them know they should still register for assistance with FEMA and provide their current contact information. We will reach out to them to coordinate an inspection when it\u2019s possible.<\/p>\n

Inspections can only be done after survivors register. Those with damage to homes, vehicles, personal property, business or its inventory should register with FEMA. When applying, survivors will be asked to provide their current contact information so that an inspector can reach them.<\/p>\n

When inspectors arrive at a home, they will display their official contractor photo identification. If the photo ID is not visible, it is important to ask to see it. This helps prevent fraud. Please be aware that FEMA inspectors\u00a0do not\u00a0charge survivors for their services or recommend specific contractors. If someone asks for money to inspect your home or promotes a contractor, it is most likely part of a scam.<\/p>\n

Inspectors already have each applicant\u2019s nine-digit registration number so there should be no need to ask for it. Survivors will however be asked to provide a valid driver\u2019s license or other photo identification.<\/p>\n

To speed the FEMA assistance process:<\/strong><\/p>\n