![Hurricane Helene Debris in front of a Hernando Beach home. [Credit: Rocco Maglio]](https://www.hernandosun.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/PXL_20240929_180701571-scaled.jpg "PXL_20240929_180701571")
Submitted by FEMA
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- After Floridians apply for FEMA assistance following Hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby, a home inspection may be necessary to help determine the extent of damage and whether the home is safe, sanitary and livable.
Inspectors do not make decisions regarding eligibility for assistance. Information gathered during the inspection is part of several criteria used by FEMA to determine if applicants are eligible for federal assistance.
The inspector will consider:
The structural soundness of the home, both inside and outside.
Whether the electrical, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer/septic systems are all in working order.
Whether the home is safe to live in and can be entered and exited safely.
Applications for more than one storm may require a separate inspection.
Inspectors will make an appointment with the applicant before coming. They will already have the applicant’s FEMA application number. They carry photo identification. For security reasons, federal identification may not be photographed or recorded. Inspectors will never ask for, or accept, money. Their service is free.
The inspectors will call or text applicants to arrange to meet at the home. They will leave messages and/or texts on the phone number listed on the FEMA application. These communications may come from unfamiliar phone numbers and it is important that applicants respond so their application can be processed.
A typical home inspection may take up to 45 minutes to complete. After the inspection, applicants should allow seven to 10 days for processing. If they have questions about the status of their application, they can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or lookup their application status on DisasterAssistance.gov or the FEMA mobile App.
For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
