FEMA Representatives in Kittery Inspecting Storm Damage - April 2024

Individual Assistance (IA) representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be in Kittery this month, looking at areas, properties and businesses that have been damaged due to severe storms in January.

After applying for disaster assistance, FEMA must verify your disaster-caused damage through an onsite or remote inspection as part of the process, as well as helping to determine federal assistance options available for applicants. 

Please see below for some helpful tips and information to help you prepare:

• Over the course of a few days FEMA staff and inspectors may call from an unknown or restricted phone number and make several attempts to discuss your disaster-caused damage.
• An inspection can only be done when the applicant (you) or co-applicant is present. If the applicant or co-applicant is unable to meet with an inspector, a third-party can be designated in writing and pre-authorized before the scheduled time and date for the inspection
• FEMA inspectors are trained to recognize damage caused by a disaster, but they do not decide if you will receive assistance.
  • They observe and record damage that may be eligible within the Individuals and Households Program, which is different from assessments made by insurance adjusters or other disaster assistance programs, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration.

• Provide clear photo identification upon arrival.
• Attempt to verify the applicant’s name, address, contact information, occupancy and ownership status, and insurance coverage.
• Walk through the entire home to assess the condition of both damaged and non-damaged areas, noting disaster caused damage to real property (structural) and doing a complete inventory of all damaged and non-damaged essential personal property (appliances, furniture, etc.).
• Ask questions about disaster-caused losses and expenses including medical expenses, moving and storage expenses, items purchased in response to the disaster, uniforms, supplies, and tools required for school or employment.
• Take photos of the interior and exterior of the home during the inspection process.

• Ask for bank information. FEMA never charges a fee for an inspection.
• Climb on roofs or enter crawl spaces.

If you see unfamiliar faces around your neighborhood this month, please remember that it may be a FEMA representative completing an inspection due to storm related damages.  If you suspect an inspector isn’t who they say they are, tell them to leave immediately and call the Kittery Police Department at 207-439-1638.

For more information on Individual Assistance from FEMA, please click here.

If you have questions about assistance or your inspection please call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362.