As a result of Hurricane Sally, FEMA may provide assistance to eligible Floridians when their primary residence has been destroyed, is uninhabitable, or is inaccessible. The assistance could include rental assistance, funds that could be used to repair or replace a primary residence, or assistance for other disaster-caused needs.
For rental or repair assistance, FEMA conducts a virtual home inspection, by telephone, to determine whether the home is safe, sanitary and functional.
The FEMA inspection determines whether repair is necessary to ensure the safety or health of the occupant or to make the home functional. FEMA considers the following factors when determining whether assistance may be provided:
- The exterior is structurally sound, including the doors, roof and windows.
- The electricity, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer and septic systems function properly.
- The interior’s habitable areas are structurally sound, including the ceiling and floors.
- The home is capable of being used for its intended purpose.
- There is safe access to and from the home.
While disaster-caused damage may exist, the habitability of the home may not be affected.
Video Streaming
To ensure applicants’ needs are met while increasing FEMA’s ability to record disaster-caused damage, FEMA implemented the use of video streaming to the remote inspection process in September 2020.
The inspector will initiate the video inspection process by contacting the applicant via the telephone numbers listed in the application. The inspector will ask applicants if they would like to perform the inspection via video streaming using Apple FaceTime or Zoom Video Communications. FEMA inspectors are trained to help the applicant with downloading and/or signing-up to Zoom Video if necessary. If the applicant needs an accommodation, please let the inspector know.
The inspector will initiate the video streaming to the applicant’s device and ask questions about the type and extent of the damage sustained.
During the video streaming, the applicant will have the opportunity to show the inspector areas of concern such as roof, windows, floor, ceiling, basements, access points, habitability, rooms, furniture, appliances, Americans with Disabilities Act items (such as ramps and grab bars), etc.
While video streaming inspections are being conducted in a limited capacity, applicants who do not have the ability to participate with video through Zoom or Facetime will speak with inspectors by phone.
For homeowners, the inspection determines habitability based on all disaster-caused damage. For renters, the habitability determination is based on the disaster-caused damage that has not yet been repaired at the time of the inspection. Renters are not responsible for repairs to the damaged dwelling, so if repairs have been made, the inspector will note that the home is habitable.
FEMA cannot duplicate any insurance payment but may be able to provide assistance for eligible expenses that are not covered by insurance or other sources.
