FEMA Inspectors Updating Superstorm Damage in NJ

Agents of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are circulating the regions of New Jersey recovering from damage left by Hurricane Sandy in a new round of damage evaluations.

Home and business owners may encounter a FEMA inspector looking for current conditions. They're verifying damage claims and developing estimates for heavily damaged structures in cooperation with the National Flood Insurance Program.

The inspectors, say agency officials, won't necessarily be wearing uniforms or clothes that bear FEMA identification. However, all inspectors will carry FEMA identification.

A FEMA inspector at the door means that damage to that home, store or business will be recorded in order to help determine the types, and amounts, of aid that the agency can deliver.

Staffers with the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Small Business Administration, and related agencies are also likely to assign field agents to hard-hit communities.

If someone claims to be a FEMA inspector and asks for a fee, don't whip out your wallet. FEMA doesn't charge for inspections.