Parker County included in Federal Disaster Declaration

Damage from the March 7, 2016 tornado just east of Cool in Parker County has led to Parker County being declared for Individual Assistance in the Presidential Disaster Declaration.

Homeowners who experienced property loss from the tornado and severe weather can start registering for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

FEMA inspectors will begin making appointments with residents that applied for assistance after they submit their necessary insurance documentation to FEMA.

In all presidentially declared counties for Individual Assistance, when an applicant registers with FEMA and becomes eligible for a Damaged Housing Inspection, the inspection is sent to a FEMA contractor inspector. The inspector contacts the applicant to set up an appointment for a time and date and also goes over what documentation needs to be provided for proof of residency. Then the inspector meets with the applicant at the residence and performs their inspection.

The scope of an inspection for owners includes the recording of real and personal property (furnishing and appliances) damages to the interior and exterior of the dwelling, addressing special needs, transportation, unmet needs and miscellaneous purchases. Inspectors do not record real property specifications for renters. Inspectors are allowed to contact landlords to verify occupancy of rental property.

Upon the first meeting with the applicant, the inspector introduces himself presenting his photo identification validating his appointed position to perform inspections as an independent contractor under contract with the inspection firm.

Inspectors will ask the applicant to sign a “Declaration and Release” form commonly known as the 9069 form (Technically 009-9-3 English, 009-0-4 Spanish).

The signature can be done electronically or in some situations as a paper form. The form includes a space for the applicant to sign his or her name and date of birth and a check box that affirms citizenship status.

The inspector proceeds validating the applicant’s name, addresses, contact information, proofs of ownership and occupancy and insurance.

An applicant interview continues validating: the number of members living in the dwelling at the time of the event; the number of bedrooms occupied on a nightly basis by the household; clothing losses; any medical, transportation or miscellaneous purchases (i.e. humidifier). The inspector informs the applicant of his need to view the entire dwelling for disaster and non-disaster related damages.

The inspector records the size of the residence, foundation and dwelling types and when applicable – records a high water mark. Appropriate comments are noted and included within the record.

During the course of the inspection, the inspector will take a minimum of 2 photographs (interior and exterior) with a focus on the damages that support the habitability determination and/or addresses areas of significant real property or personal property damages. Inspectors are asked to not take photographs of applicants or family members or to take photographs of personal assets or belongings such as jewelry and other personal items.

The Inspector concludes the assessment when verifying the habitable condition(s) of the dwelling. The inspector asks and records the applicant’s response in regard to their plans to relocate from the dwelling due to the incident. The Inspector then performs an exit interview informing the applicant on what to expect next from the Agency.

The inspector only records observed disaster related damages and does not determine eligibility or damage awards levels. FEMA’s policies and business rules determine eligibility and award levels based upon the damage assessment and other available information such as estimates from a licensed contractor for specific repairs.