You too can sue FEMA/PB

You too can do your own FEMA Appeal or sue FEMA or Parsons Brinckerhoff .
Below is all the informaion you need for yourself or to give to your lawyer and best of all it's free.

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Virginia National Processing Services Center

19844 Blue Ridge Mountain Road, Bldg. 712 & 704

Bluemont, Virginia 20135

IHP INSPECTION GUIDELINES TEMPLATE

REGISTRATION INFORMATION SCREEN

NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBERS, AND E-MAIL ADDRESS

· Make corrections to the applicant’s name only when minor spelling changes are required.

· Do not make complete name changes to the applicant under any circumstance. If the application you receive was put in on behalf of another individual, advise that individual to make his or her own application.

· Verify and make any needed changes to the current mailing address and phone numbers.

· Make changes to the damaged dwelling address, and complete the inspection on the applicant’s damaged dwelling.

· Comment on all changes in name, address or phone number.

VERIFY EXISTING INSURANCE COVERAGE

· Confirm insurance coverage downloaded to you.

· Do not edit existing insurance types that are downloaded to you. There are two exceptions to this rule:

1. When the dwelling type is a mobile home, homeowners insurance was listed, and the applicant clearly has a mobile home policy.

2. When you view a cancellation letter dated prior to the disaster. Edit the insurance type, enter No RP or PP Insurance, and add a comment (i.e. Viewed Cancellation Letter).

· Add additional insurance types indicated by the applicant; be sure to address all fields on the insurance screen.

· If an applicant claims fire only as an insurance policy, and you need to add the appropriate insurance, use the Homeowner’s Insurance type.

· If an owner is downloaded to you with flood contents insurance only, please add flood structure insurance.

OCCUPANCY TYPE

Not Primary Residence

· Select “Not Primary Residence” if the applicant states that the damaged dwelling is not their primary residence.

· Record Ownership and Occupancy as Not Verified.

· Record the Size of Residence as 10 square feet, Bedrooms Occupied as 1, Household Composition as 1, and Number Requiring Clothing as 0.

· Record the Meter Type as “Not Available”.

· Address Foundation and Dwelling Type.

· Record the Home Unsafe to Live In as “No”.

· Address all Unmet Needs fields.

· Record “Exterior” as “Not Affected”.

· Obtain signatures when possible.

· Comment on the reason for the “Not Primary Residence” determination.

· Save the inspection as a Done/Complete.

· See below under Occupancy Verified if the applicant claims that the dwelling is their primary residence, but is unable to provide occupancy verification.

Renter

· Comment “Boarding House”, and change the dwelling type to “Multi-family” only if you confirm that the applicant lives in a true boarding house; one which is set up as a commercial (income producing) property as opposed to a person renting out a single room in their home.

OWNERSHIP VERIFIED

Displays a list of valid methods for verifying ownership. If you select one of these methods, you are saying that you viewed the document.

Be aware that FEMA may consider an applicant an owner, even though they might not hold formal title, if both of the following conditions exist:

1) The applicant pays no rent, and:

2) The applicant has lifetime occupancy rights with formal title vested in another (you must view a notarized document), or the applicant is responsible for maintenance and/or taxes (you must view receipts for repairs or taxes.)

· If the applicant has no documentation of ownership, you have called the tax office, and are still unable to verify ownership, change the applicant from owner to renter. Complete the inspection as an owner recording real property, etc., and comment on the change. This is a last resort only, and does not take the place of either the call to the tax office or a possible second site visit.

· You may also change from owner to renter when the applicant states they are a renter, or you have viewed rent receipts. In this case complete the inspection as a renter.

· Record the name of the mortgage company, the loan number, and phone number in the Mortgage Information box if a mortgage payment book is used to verify ownership.

· Record the policy number, insurance company, insurance type, and agent’s name and phone number in the Insurance Information box, when structural insurance is used to verify ownership.

· Call the local tax office to get verbal confirmation of ownership when the applicant is unable to provide documentation. Record in comments the name of the person you spoke to at the tax office, and whether or not they were able to verify ownership.

· Perform a second site visit if the applicant is not able to verify ownership at the time of the inspection. This would apply when the applicant states that they will be able to provide acceptable documentation within a reasonable amount of time. An unsuccessful attempt to verify ownership with the tax office does not take place of this requirement.

OCCUPANCY VERIFIED

Displays a list of valid methods for verifying occupancy. If you select one of these methods, you are stating that you viewed the document.

· Record “Not Verified” when the applicant has no documentation for occupancy, and comment that no documentation was available. If occupancy is “Not Verified”, but the applicant claims that the dwelling is the primary residence, complete the inspection for real and personal property, and address the Home Status questions. Verbal verification of occupancy is acceptable. The inspector must attempt to obtain verbal verification of occupancy by either the landlord or the utility company. No special comment would be needed that the verification was done over the phone (landlord name and phone number still required.)

· Do not record Home Unsafe as “No” simply because the applicant is unable to verify occupancy.

· Record in comments the Landlord’s name and phone number when occupancy of a renter is verified with the Landlord

· Record occupancy as verified only if the applicant lived in the damaged dwelling at the time of the disaster. The initial inspector is not expected to prove “Intent to Occupy”. For instance, if the dwelling was under construction or remodeling at the time of the disaster, and the applicant lived elsewhere, complete the inspection as normal, and record occupancy as “Not Verified” with a brief comment as to the situation.

APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE

· Obtain signatures for all inspections, with the exception of No Contacts, and Withdrawn inspections when you are unable to meet with the applicant.

· Obtain signatures only from members of the pre-disaster household 18 years or age or older.

DECLARATION OF APPLICANT

The applicant or another adult member of the pre-disaster household must sign the Self-Declaration form, after that person shows any form of ID. The signer must then select a box, which attests to their being a citizen/non-citizen national, or a qualified alien in the United States.

· Mark the “Declaration Signed” - Yes. No further investigation into this issue is required.

· Record the applicant’s selection in the Declaration drop-down box.

· Return the inspection as a "Done" and "Withdrawn" if the applicant won't sign either of the certification forms, perform a complete inspection and mark the appropriate signature boxes as Not Obtained and comment (i.e. Withdrawn = App Refused to Sign, No Self D, etc.). There is no need to Flag the inspection for Host review.

· If the application is in the name of a minor child who is lawfully present, but the parents are not lawfully present, select “Qualified Alien”, and comment “Minor Child = Qualified Alien”. No further comment or investigation is required.

NUMBER OF PEOPLE REQUIRING CLOTHING

Address the disaster-related clothing needs of the applicant and dependents, not just loss of clothing. Record both quantity and cause of damage in the fields provided.

NUMBER OF BEDROOMS OCCUPIED

Record the number of rooms occupied as bedrooms for the applicant and the members of the household. This number will not necessarily agree with the number of bedrooms indicated on your room inspection.

HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION

Record the number of household members who resided in the dwelling at the time of the event. Do not include boarders or renters.

COMMENTS SCREEN

Please use standard comments where possible. Use this screen for clarification of inspection items and for pertinent information that FEMA should know. In many cases, a comment is required by one of your choices in the inspection process. (Examples: Essential Utilities Out, verbal verification of occupancy, Not Primary Residence, Lump Sums, and Not Feasible to Repair, all require a comment.)

The Flag for Host Review button is found on this screen. A comment is always required when you select the Flag for Host Review button.

DWELLING INFORMATION SCREEN

CO-OWNERS/CO-OCCUPANTS

Enter the names of any co-owners or non-dependent co-occupants over the age of 18. Enter social security numbers, age, and dependency status if available.

TYPE OF METER

Use the electric meter if possible. The second choice would be the gas meter, if present, followed by water. If no meters are available or the correct meter cannot be determined select meter type "Not Available," and comment why.

METER NUMBER

Do not enter spaces, hyphens or letters. Do not enter "shared", "locked", or "inaccessible" in place of the meter number; choose the meter type "Not Available."

HIGH WATER FLOOR

Record the high water mark, and on which floor it was located.

FOUNDATION/DWELLING

Record whether there is a basement, crawl space, slab, etc. as well as the number of stories in the dwelling. If “Other” is selected a comment is required.

REAL PROPERTY SCREENS

· Do not record real property line items for renters.

· Record all real property damage to the entire dwelling for owners.

· Record a quantity and cause of damage for each line item (owners only).

· All rooms must be addressed with function as well as location (i.e. bedroom/second floor, bathroom/second floor, or kitchen/first floor).

· Do not record damages to garages or unoccupied outbuildings unless damage to these areas creates a hazard or affects the integrity of the dwelling. Record line items only to remove the hazard, not repair the garage or outbuilding (i.e. debris removal, lump sum, etc.). The intent is to remove the hazard, not repair the outbuilding.

· Refer to the “item info” screens in the palm pad if you have a question about what is included in a repair item.

LUMP SUM

· Use lump sums to describe disaster-related repairs, which do not have a matching line item.

· Comment anytime Lump Sums are recorded.

· Do not use lump sums to record things that are not directly related to repair of the home. For instance, don’t record hotel expenses using lump sums. Each lump sum is $100.

SERVICE CALL

Use to if the extent of damage is unknown and a professional will be needed to prepare an estimate to cover the cost of making minor repairs.

TRADE MINIMUM LINE ITEMS

A number of trade categories have a line item called a Trade Minimum. This line item represents the minimum charge a professional would charge to perform a certain repair. For instance, the Roof Repair Trade Minimum line item represents the minimum cost it would take to get a roofer to make repairs to a small area of damage. If you use a Trade Minimum line item, do not record the repair line item in that category. For instance, if you use the Roof Repair Trade Minimum line item, do not record Roof Covering, Replace as well.

There is an exception to the guidance for Trade Minimums in the Floors, Walls & Ceilings category. There can be combinations of minimums and repairs recorded, as there are three different trade minimums in this category (Carpentry, Drywall, and Flooring). For instance, Drywall Minimum can be recorded as well as Floor Covering, Replace.

If repairs cannot be accomplished with a single Trade Minimum line item in a particular category, record the individual line items.

CAUSE OF DAMAGE

· Record the Cause of Damage for each line item.

· Comment when “Other” is a cause of damage (i.e. Other = Lightening Strike).

· Do not use "Other" to record deferred maintenance or non disaster-related damages in line items.

· Recorded Areas of Deferred Maintenance not worsened by the storm on the Post Inspection Screen by selecting the appropriate check box for that category or item.

NOT FEASIBLE TO REPAIR

If an owner’s home is not economically feasible to repair, based on the residence type you must record one of the following line items with the correct square footage and cause of damage: for single family dwellings use “Residence Rebuild’; for mobile homes use “Mobile Home Replace”; and for travel trailers use “Travel Trailer Replace”. The inspector can record a combination of these line items with the appropriate square footage for each (i.e. Mobile home with framed addition).

BASEMENT FLOODING

When the cause of damage is flood, sewer backup or ground saturation/seepage inspectors will not record interior doors, floor covering replacement, or paint in a basement except in rooms that are required for the occupation of the dwelling; this includes occupied bedrooms, a bathroom required for the occupied bedroom, or if the sole kitchen or living room are located in the basement. The foundation, furnace, water heater, main panel, sheetrock when it presents a hazard, and other basement components will still be within the repair scope of work.

A basement is defined as an area of the dwelling that is below the natural grade on all sides.

ACCESS/DEBRIS

Clean and Sanitize - Clean and sanitize is a square footage item. Record this line item the area that needs to be cleaned. For instance, if the floor of a 10x12 sunken living room is the only damaged area, record 120 square feet of clean and sanitize. If the only damage were mold on a concrete basement wall, it would be appropriate to use clean and sanitize for the area of the wall that needed to be cleaned.

Debris, Remove - Use only to remove health/safety hazards or to provide access or prevent egress. Do not record debris that does not meet one of these conditions.

Retaining Wall, Replace - Use to address pre-existing retaining walls that are damaged and present a safety hazard, or new retaining walls that will remove imminent danger caused by the disaster. In either case, use the “Retaining Wall” line item. Only record retaining walls that are needed for the safety of the DD or access. Line item includes backfill and machine time for behind the wall. It does not include any machine time or fill needed to rebuild the slope to enable installation of the wall if needed. There is no flag or comment requirement.

Smoke Abatement - Use when there is disaster related soot, ash and/or smoke damage to a dwelling. Use the square foot method for calculation.

Tree(s), Remove - Use this line item when a tree presents a clear danger to either the dwelling, or access to the dwelling. This should only be used when the tree is still standing and will need to be cut down by professionals, if the tree has already fallen, use the line item for debris removal instead. The line item is based on a tree up to 18 inches in diameter. If the tree is significantly larger, multiple tree removal line items may be added without comment.

Washout, Fill - Use when washout undermines the foundation or septic, rebuilding a slope to enable installation of a retaining wall, landslides, or to remove health/safety hazards, etc. Do not use for repair to road damages. The road fill line item is located under Roads and Bridges.

Fencing - List in line items only that fencing which is required for safety. Fencing around swimming pools is beyond the scope of the FEMA home repair program and should not be recorded.

Pump Out - Use when the applicant has taken actions to remove water from the home, either by renting or purchasing a pump or when floodwaters are standing in basements and pose a threat to the safety of a house.

BOAT ITEMS

Boat repairs are intended to restore the boat to habitability only. Do not record repairs necessary to restore the boat to seaworthiness.

ELECTRICAL

Do not use the "Generator, Replace" line item in this category unless the generator was the sole source of power for the home prior to the disaster (i.e. an off the grid home). There is an “Electrical, Complete” line item in the Speed Estimating category to be used when there is a consistent water level throughout the dwelling.

FLOORS/WALLS/CEILINGS

Sheetrock, Replace includes removal, replacement, and taping (finishing). Paint is not included in this item, and must be recorded separately. Damaged sheetrock that presents a sanitary or safety hazard will be recorded as replace.

FOUNDATION/MASONRY

None of the foundation repairs include an allowance for utility connections. Use service calls or lump sums in the appropriate utility category to address these connections. Only use the "Utilities, Reconnect" found in the "Mobile Home" category when repairing mobile homes.

Jack & Re-level - This item is used to re-level floors when the foundation has settled.

Jack & Shore - This item involves lifting and adding cribbing for repair of underlying elements. (This can be for the whole house or specific areas.)

Jack House, Reset (on foundation) - This involves lifting and moving the house laterally back onto the foundation.

Stone/Brick Ext. Wall, Replace - This line item is only to be used for a true stone or brick wall (not a veneer over a framed wall). Do not use this to replace a concrete block wall, use Concrete Foundation Wall replace.

Concrete Foundation Wall, Replace - Use for either a poured concrete or block foundation wall replacement. This line item does not include the foundation footing.

GENERAL

Do not record “Roof Covering, Replace” simply because the dwelling has suffered interior damage from wind driven rain. It is not uncommon for new leaks to occur through older (deferred maintenance) roofs, to be blown up under shingles, through vents, etc. There are numerous ways that wind driven rain can enter the dwelling without any damage occurring to the roof.

IMPORTANT: If a home is not feasible to repair, based on the residence type you must record one of the following line items with the correct square footage and cause of damage: for single family dwellings use “Residence Rebuild” in the General Category; for mobile homes use “Mobile Home Replace”; and for travel trailers use “Travel Trailer Replace” both in the Mobile Home Category.

HEATING

Use these line items to record all damaged heat sources for the dwelling regardless of sole or primary source. For Owners -- If the cause of damage was flooding, and there was water in the home, and the furnace was not affected, please comment "Furnace OK." There is a “Heating, Complete” line item in the Speed Estimating category to be used when there is a consistent water level throughout the dwelling.

Furnace, Clean and Test - The unit has been affected in a minor fashion. This line item provides funds to enable the applicant to obtain a detailed inspection by a professional, or to accomplish a minor repair like re-lighting a pilot light. Use also to address either the interior or exterior portion of a heat pump.

Furnace, Clean and Repair - One or more of the basic essential components, i.e., motor, burner, heat exchanger, blower, has been obviously flooded or impacted. Use also to address either the interior or exterior portion of a heat pump.

Furnace, Replace - Severe physical damage or reasonable assuredness that repair parts are not available. A furnace that has been totally submerged should also be considered for replacement. Use also to address the interior only portion of a heat pump.

Heater, Gas Wall, Replace – Use to replace a destroyed gas wall heater, typically a gas-burning unit that is permanently installed.

Heater, Electric Wall, Replace – Use to replace a destroyed electric wall heater, typically an electric unit that is permanently installed.

MOBILE HOMES

Utilities, Reconnect – This line item is an “EA” item per utility. For instance if water, sewer and electricity need to be reconnected, record 3 each for this line item. Use only on mobile homes.

PLUMBING

For Owners -- If the cause of damage was flooding, and there was water in the home, and the water heater was not affected, please comment "Water Heater OK."

ROADS and BRIDGES

Single and Multi-family roads and bridges are recorded separately. When recording damage to a solely owned road use the Road and Bridge category. When recording damage to a private road with shared responsibility use the Multi-family Road category. If an applicant has damage to both a multifamily road and a solely owned access drive please record damages in their respective categories. Road and bridge damage will be recorded only to the extent to provide safe, drivable access and not necessarily to the pre-disaster condition.

If you are able to record repair line items for access, do not record the dwelling as "Inaccessible". If the private road is not drivable due to washouts, etc., and requires repairs the proper indication would be Home Unsafe to Live In = “Yes”. Record only repairs needed to restore access to a maximum width of 10 feet for roads for a single family dwelling, and to 15 feet for multifamily roads. Bridges will be repaired to a maximum width of 10 feet. If the road was not 10 (or 15) feet wide prior to the disaster, repair only to the pre-disaster width.

NOTE: Please keep in mind that some bridge components may not be damaged and can be reused.

MULTIFAMILY ACCESS CONCERNS

Record all damages affecting the applicant's access in line items as specified above. Record other affected applicant(s) names and Registration Numbers as available, in comments, as well as if the applicant is a member of a Homeowner's Association. It is not necessary to Flag Multi-family road and bridge inspections.

Abutments – Record square footage and location. There are two abutment line items, in the stream and on the shore.

Bridge Beam, Replace - Record the linear footage for each beam and material. Record this line item based on two beams per bridge, regardless of how many the pre-disaster bridge had. For example, a 25 foot long bridge with two damaged beams would be recorded as “Bridge Beam, Replace” 50 LF. There are two bridge beam line items; steel and timber.

Culvert, Replace - Record the linear footage requiring replacement. This line item includes an allowance for the fill immediately above the culvert, as well as machine time to place the culvert. There are two culvert line items; 12-30” or 36”+.

Decking - Record the square footage of decking that needs to be replaced based to a maximum width of 10 feet.

Foot or Suspension Bridges – Use Foot Bridge, Replace and record in linear feet. If a pre-existing footbridge has been damaged and it is required, in addition to the drivable portion of the access, it will be recorded in line items.

Machine Time - Use to address a 4-hour minimum for up to the first half-mile (2640 feet) of affected road and 1 hour for every additional 660 feet of affected road. If the quantities of grading time recorded for a multifamily road and a solely owned access drive together equal or exceed 4 hours, the 4 hour minimum has been satisfied, for instance if the applicant needs 3 hours for the multi family road and 1 hour for the single family road, the 4 hour minimum would be met. As indicated above, the quantities of machine time in this scenario shall be recorded in their respective categories. Machine time is required if you record road fill.

Road, Fill – Use to fill a washed out road and for the bridge approaches. When recording Road Fill, use the calculator in the palm pad for calculating cubic yardage. Machine time will need to be addressed separately.

SPEED ESTIMATING

When there is a consistent water level throughout the dwelling inspector will record line items under this category for replacement of room components for either electrical or heating (i.e. “Heating, Complete” would address replacing the furnace, ductwork, registers, controls, and hookups).

Other speed estimating line items such as sheetrock, paint, insulation, etc., will be recorded using the regular line items. Factors for individual line items are located in the item info screens.

UTILITIES

Only wells that have collapsed or dried up as a result of the disaster will be replaced. If replacing a well, record the pre-disaster depth of the well. The “Well, Replace” line item only includes the cost to drill and case the well; it does not include the cost for the pump.

WINDOWS/DOORS

Record all windows and doors that have been damaged as a result of the disaster, with the exception of interior doors in the basement and the cause of damage is flood. Please refer to the Basement Flooding section for further information.

PERSONAL PROPERTY SCREENS

Record the cause of damage as well as the level of damage for all rooms and items.

Owners

· Record all furnishings and appliances owned by the applicant and his/her dependents, whether or not it was damaged or if you consider it “essential”.

· Record all rooms as they are furnished and damaged – for instance, if an unoccupied bedroom is furnished as a bedroom, and all furnishings need to be replaced, record it as a Bedroom Replace.

· Do not record personal property owned by a non-dependent (such as a roommate)

· Comment “PP Verbal” when you are unable to see the item, but the evidence supports the claim that the disaster caused the loss; record the damage in the Personal Property screens.

· Comment “PP Verbal, Unable to Verify” when you are unable to see the item and the evidence does not support the claim that the disaster caused the loss, do not record the item in the Personal Property screens.

Renters

Same as for owners with one exception:

· Record landlord supplied appliances as “Landlord Owned”. If the applicant owns the same appliance supplied by the landlord do not record the applicant’s appliance.

Dining Table/Chairs - Do not use the Room Furnishings level of damage to address the everyday table and chairs. There is a line item in the personal property screens to address them, regardless of their actual location in the home. Record as Repair, Replace, Not Affected, or Landlord Owned for each set in the dwelling.

Boarder Occupied – There is a room designated for boarders in the rooms selection list. This will be used to indicate any room in the owner’s inspection that is occupied by a boarder having an actual commercial relationship with the owner. For instance, the boarder is the only one who uses one bedroom and one bathroom; neither room is shared with the owner. Two rooms would be recorded as “Boarder Occupied” on the owner’s inspection, and real property addressed for the owner. If performing the inspection for the boarder, rooms will be recorded as they are furnished (i.e. bedroom and bathroom).

Stored Personal Property – Do not record stored personal property as part of the initial inspection. For instance, if the applicant claims damage to furniture in a storage unit, do not record this as personal property line items.

Duplicate Items – There are some items that are listed under both the Appliance list and the Miscellaneous Purchases list, for instance Chainsaw. The difference between the two is that the one listed under Appliances would be a chainsaw owned prior to the disaster, and the chainsaw under Miscellaneous would be one bought in response to the disaster, i.e. in order to cut trees down for access to the dwelling.

UNMET NEEDS SCREEN

If the applicant reports a disaster-related need in these areas, mark “Yes” for need. Mark “No” if there are no unmet needs reported.

Moving and Storage - Use the moving and storage button to record expenses to move/store personal property following damages to the dwelling. Do not indicate an unmet need if the applicant incurred expenses to move/store personal property to prevent disaster damage. Comment on the specifics of what the unmet need is.

Medical/Medical PP - Use the medical unmet needs button to represent either a new medical condition caused by the disaster, or the loss of prescriptions, or medical equipment (wheelchairs, artificial limbs, prescription eyeglasses, etc.) damaged, destroyed, or lost as a result of the disaster. Comment on the specifics of what the unmet need is.

Dental - Use the dental unmet needs button to represent a new dental condition or injury caused by the disaster. Dentures will be recorded under the Dental unmet needs. Comment on the specifics of what the unmet need is.

Transportation - If the applicant has claimed either no vehicle damage or cosmetic only, you do not need to enter the vehicles. If the applicant claims vehicle damage which renders any vehicle inoperable that was operable prior to the disaster, record all vehicles whether affected or not by clicking the “Add” button on the transportation box. For every vehicle, you will need to record whether or not the vehicle was registered prior to the disaster, as well as the insurance information and whether the vehicle is Drivable Yes or No. A Repairable, Destroyed or Not Available vehicle is Drivable No. For every vehicle, you will need to record the level of damage as Not Affected, Cosmetic, Repairable, Destroyed, or Not Available. These levels of damage are defined as follows:

· Not Affected - The vehicle was not affected at all by the disaster, even cosmetically. No comment is required.

· Cosmetic - The vehicle suffered disaster-related damages, but the damages do not affect the operation of the vehicle in any way. This would refer to minor dents, and similar low levels of damage. No comment is required.

· Repairable - The vehicle has been damaged due to the disaster, and the damage affects the operation of the vehicle. This could represent a broken windshield, mirror, or headlight assembly, as well as minor mechanical repairs to brakes, etc. No comment is required.

· Destroyed - The vehicle has been totaled. This could mean that the vehicle was flooded over the engine, crushed by a falling tree, or suffered similar high levels of damage. No comment is required.

· Not Available - If the vehicle is not at the damaged dwelling address, was swept down the river and is no longer present, or is otherwise not available for assessment of the damages, use this level of damage. No comment is required.

If you receive an inspection with vehicles entered at Registration, which are not owned by the applicant or his/her dependents, please delete the vehicles not owned by the applicant or his/her dependents.

TRANSPORTATION ONLY INSPECTIONS

If you receive a transportation only inspection, the damaged dwelling address should be the location of the vehicle, not the applicant’s primary residence. If it is not, you need to change the damaged dwelling address to reflect the location of the vehicle. You must obtain signatures on the 90-69-B and 90-69D, as well as ask the questions regarding all other unmet needs.

Essential Tools Use the Essential tools unmet needs button to indicate a loss of any item listed in the Essential Tools list. If you mark “Yes” for this radio button, you must record one or more of the items listed in the Essential Tools list along with a cause of damage for each item. Essential tools consist of school equipment, computers, uniforms, specialized/protective clothing, and tools required, but not supplied by, the employer. Do not record tools used for self-employment in this category. Please ask specifically if the claimed essential tool loss is to tools used by a self-employed individual.

Miscellaneous Purchases - Use the Miscellaneous Purchase unmet needs button to reflect items purchased in response to the disaster. An example of an item purchased in response to the disaster would be a kerosene heater and fuel bought when the home's furnace was damaged. If you mark the button "Yes", you must record one or more of the items listed in the Miscellaneous Purchases list. If you select "Other" from this list, you must give a brief description in the "Other Purchases Description" box. Do not use this button to record hotel expenses, food losses, or loss of work. Please note that heating fuel recorded under this category is in gallons, and also may be used to address gas purchased for a generator while power was out.

Please see the note under Personal Property Screen for details about items under both the Appliance list and the Miscellaneous Purchase list.

POST INSPECTION SCREEN

AREAS OF DEFERRED MAINTENANCE

For the purpose of disaster housing inspections the term “Deferred Maintenance” will be applied to any real property item that has been neglected to the extent that it can no longer adequately perform its intended function. Examples of deferred maintenance are rotting boards, roofs with missing and/or crumbling shingles, and foundations with pre-disaster cracks all of which allow unwanted elements into the home.

Items suffering from deferred maintenance that were not significantly worsened by the disaster are not to be listed in real property line specifications. The inspector will record areas of deferred maintenance not worsened by the disaster in the Post Inspection Screen. For instance, if the foundation has superficial cracks that are pre-existing and were not worsened by the disaster the inspector will check the Foundation/Masonry box under “Areas of Deferred Maintenance”.

IMPORTANT: Any deferred real property damage listed in line items must have been significantly worsened by the disaster event. Disaster damages to these items must be significant, obvious and without question. The listing of deferred maintenance items worsened by storm should never be speculative.

HOME STATUS BUTTONS

Inaccessible - Record the dwelling as Inaccessible if it is Inaccessible due to disaster-related damages to a public road, or high water over the road, etc. A “Yes” answer requires a brief comment explaining why the dwelling is inaccessible. This button is used to show the situation at the time of inspection. If the dwelling is now accessible, the correct choice is “No”. Do not record Home Unsafe “Yes” if the home is Inaccessible. Do not use this for private road damage; this should be recorded with the appropriate line items and a Home Unsafe answer of “Yes”.

· Return with the job status Done, and completion status complete.

· Record Inaccessible as “Yes”.

· Verify Occupancy and Number of Bedrooms.

· Obtain Signatures.

· Address the Will Relocate button.

· Address the Home Unsafe to Live in button.

· Address Meter Type.

· Address Foundation and Dwelling Type.

· Do not record personal property.

· Address all Unmet Needs buttons.

· Do not return these inspections as Occupancy Not Verified unless the applicant truly is not a primary resident.

If the inspector is unable to meet with the applicant (i.e. app stranded) and the dwelling is inaccessible:

· Record Inaccessible as “Yes”, and comment (i.e. App stranded in dwelling, Unable to Meet With App, etc.).

· Record the 90-69B and 90-69D as "Not Obtained" (the previous comment will cover the Not Obtained).

· Verify occupancy and bedrooms occupied. This can be verbal verification of occupancy by either the landlord or the utility company. No special comment would be needed that the verification was done over the phone (landlord name and phone number still required.) This is no different from calling the insurance company or tax office to verify ownership.

Utilities Out - The Utilities Out button is used to identify homes that do not have essential public utility service due to disaster-related damages. The utilities included are electricity, gas, water, and sewer. This button is used to show the situation at the time of inspection. If essential utilities were out, but are now back on, the correct choice is “No”. This button is not to be used to indicate damage to utility systems that are the applicant’s responsibility, such as well or septic. Record damages to utilities owned by the applicant in real property. Comment on which utility is out (i.e. Utility = Electric). Do not record Home Unsafe “Yes” if the only concern is the utility outage.

Unsafe Home - The Unsafe Home button is used to indicate whether or not the applicant has a disaster-related housing need. The Unsafe Home question will be answered for owners and renters based on the damage, as it existed immediately following the event. A “Yes” answer indicates that the applicant had an unsafe home at the time of the disaster. A “No” answer indicates the applicant had a safe home at the time of the disaster. If a renter’s home was uninhabitable at the time of the event, but repairs have been made, record “Yes” to this question, and comment “Repairs Made”.

The answer to this question should not be “Yes” solely because the dwelling has suffered minimal disaster-related damages. FEMA has determined that there are some repairs that are reasonable for the applicant or his landlord to make without federal assistance. If the inspector determines that the disaster-related damages are minimal enough for it to be reasonable to expect the applicant or his landlord to make repairs, the correct answer to this question will be “No”.

This need would also apply when a renter has been displaced from his home so that the rental unit can meet the landlord’s disaster housing need.

Will Relocate – Asking the applicant this question is required if you indicate a “Yes” answer in any of the first three questions (Inaccessible, Utilities Out or Home Unsafe). Relocation will be considered for owners and renters based on the conditions at the time of the inspection. If the dwelling is habitable at the time of the inspection the correct answer will be “No”. Ask every applicant who has a “Yes” answer to one of the first three questions “Do you need to move out of your home due to the disaster, for any length of time?” and record their answer using the radio buttons.

Reason for Unsafe Home - If you record a “Yes” answer to the Home Unsafe question, you must support the “Yes” by recording the broad categories of damage to the home in this field. This is required for both owners and renters. Record all broad categories of damage that have affected habitability.

SIZE OF RESIDENCE

Enter the total finished square footage of the residence. Do not include garages, unoccupied outbuildings and unfinished basements in the measurement. Insurance documents or tax bills are often useful for this measurement.

TYPE OF RESIDENCE

If the type of residence is "Other", record what "Other" means (i.e. Other = Tent). It is not necessary to Flag “Other” residence types.

Condominiums - For all condominiums, only record real property damages that are the responsibility of the individual unit owner. Typically, the unit owner is only responsible for repairs from the sheetrock in, and for utilities from the meter in. The condo association is responsible for the exterior and structural components of the dwelling, such as roof, exterior walls, foundation, entrances and exits etc. There is no need to flag condos for review.

TAGGED DWELLINGS

For dwellings that have been tagged by the local building department (typically Red or Yellow but may vary between localities), depending on the reason for the tag, the following will apply:

Limited Access – Complete the inspection as normal, and comment “Tag = Limited Access”. Do not flag.

Unsafe to Enter – For owners, record only visible damage in line items (do not guess), mark Home Unsafe “Yes” and select Red/Yellow Tag for the reason, comment “Tag = Unsafe to Enter Incomplete Inspection”. It is not necessary to Flag for incomplete inspection.

Exterior Only Conditions – If the dwelling is red tagged due to only exterior conditions such as trees leaning over the dwelling or landslides (i.e. imminent danger);

· Owners - Record the line items that will remove the hazardous condition from the home, mark Home Unsafe “Yes” and select Red/Yellow Tag for the reason, comment “Tag = Exterior Only Hazard.” Do not flag.

· Renters - Mark Home Unsafe “Yes” and select Red/Yellow Tag for the reason, comment “Tag = Exterior Only Hazard”. Complete the inspection for personal property and unmet needs. Do not flag.

Clearly Beyond Repair – Mark the Home Unsafe “Yes” and select Red/Yellow Tag and Destroyed for the reason, and comment (i.e. “Tag = Not Feasible to Repair, All Phases of Construction Compromised”) with a description of the structural damage. Record the appropriate line item for rebuilding/replacing the residence.

IMMINENT DANGER/HAZARD

This is an impending event, not a possible event that will occur over time. An example of imminent danger is mud that is flowing directly toward the dwelling and within a brief period of time will undoubtedly be resting against the structure.

If there is imminent danger not reflected in line items such as a landslide on the neighbors property) the inspector will perform a complete inspection and comment (i.e. Imminent Danger Not Reflected in Line Items = Landslide on Neighboring Property). The Home Unsafe button will be recorded as “Yes” and relocation will be addressed based on the applicant’s statement.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR CAUSE OF DAMAGE

Due to recent enactment of the National Flood Insurance Reform Act, the FEMA inspectors' recording of "Flood" as the cause of damage may result in a life-long requirement that the applicant maintain flood insurance. For this reason, it is important that the inspector record "Flood" only when damage occurred as a result of true flooding. Definitions are as follows:

DEFINITIONS OF FLOOD

Flood - A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from overflow of inland or tidal waters or from the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.

Mudflow - The deposit of earthen sediment (mud) in or around a damaged dwelling brought there by floodwaters.

DEFINITIONS THAT DO NOT MEET THE CRITERIA OF FLOOD:

Landslide, wind-driven rain, seepage (not caused by flood), and sewer backup do not fit the definition of "Flood." It must be "rising water from overflowing water sources." Record "Flood" only when the damage is caused by flood, mudflow, or seepage caused by flood.

Landslide - Landslide is the gravitational movement of land from one location to another, usually caused by rain saturating the ground and causing it to slide.

Seepage - There is no accumulation of water such as runoff or surface water from any source surrounding the dwelling.

GENERAL NOTES

No Contact - Record all attempts to contact in comments with date and time. There must be an exterior inspection that describes the dwelling (i.e. Foundation & Dwelling check boxes), and visible damages. No contact inspections are returned as “Return”, “No Contact Pending”.

Done / Withdrawn - Comment with the applicant's reason. The Job Status of "Done" and the Job Completion Status of "Withdrawn" are entered on the Post Inspection Screen. The inspector must briefly explain the programs to the applicant.

FLAGGING INSPECTIONS

The inspector should flag inspections only as directed in the guidelines or addenda to the guidelines.

Project Monitor DR-XXXX-XX

FEMA Housing Inspection Services FEMA

Inspector Reference

Manual

Over a Century of Criminal, Engineering Excellence in defrauding the American tax payer

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................................1

TIPS FOR QUALITY INSPECTIONS.............................................................................................................2

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT...............................................................................................................................2

APPLICANT INTERVIEW VERIFICATIONS...............................................................................................................2

VIEW VERIFICATION DOCUMENTS......................................................................................................................3

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS...................................................................................................................................3

COMMENTS....................................................................................................................................................4

INSPECTING THE HOME...................................................................................................................................4

FINISHING THE INSPECTION..............................................................................................................................5

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, AN INSPECTOR’S GUIDE TO CUSTOMER SERVICE............................................6

THE INSPECTION.............................................................................................................................................6

ASSISTANCE PROVIDED...................................................................................................................................7

SBA LOANS...................................................................................................................................................7

INSURANCE AND FEMA...................................................................................................................................8

MAKING REPAIRS............................................................................................................................................8

RENT.............................................................................................................................................................9

IF YOU NOTICE SERIOUS APPLICANT NEEDS......................................................................................................9

IF YOU NOTICE APPLICANT SPECIAL NEEDS.....................................................................................................10

INSPECTION GUIDELINES.......................................................................................................................11

REGISTRATION INFORMATION SCREEN................................................................................................11

NAME, ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBERS, AND E-MAIL ADDRESS.....................................................................11

VERIFY EXISTING INSURANCE COVERAGE........................................................................................................11

OCCUPANCY TYPE........................................................................................................................................11

OWNERSHIP VERIFIED...................................................................................................................................12

OCCUPANCY VERIFIED..................................................................................................................................13

APPLICANT’S SIGNATURE...............................................................................................................................14

DECLARATION OF APPLICANT..........................................................................................................................14

NUMBER OF PEOPLE REQUIRING CLOTHING.....................................................................................................14

NUMBER OF BEDROOMS OCCUPIED.................................................................................................................14

HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION............................................................................................................................14

HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION, BEDROOMS OCCUPIED AND PERSONAL PROPERTY................................................15

COMMENTS SCREEN...............................................................................................................................16

HOST ACTION...............................................................................................................................................16

LIST OF STANDARD COMMENTS.......................................................................................................................17

COMMON ACRONYMS/APPROVED ABBREVIATIONS............................................................................................20

DWELLING INFORMATION SCREEN.........................................................................................................22

CO-OWNERS/CO-OCCUPANTS.......................................................................................................................22

TYPE OF METER...........................................................................................................................................22

METER NUMBER...........................................................................................................................................22

HIGH WATER FLOOR.....................................................................................................................................22

RESIDENCE INFORMATION..............................................................................................................................22

REAL PROPERTY SCREENS.....................................................................................................................23

ROOM AND LOCATION...................................................................................................................................23

LUMP SUM....................................................................................................................................................23

SERVICE CALL..............................................................................................................................................23

Parsons Reference Manual Brinckerhoff Rev. 04/2003 This document was given to Chad Beckwith Smith in Ohio 2003 well working as a subcontractor doing FEMA Inspections with out a written contract and without signing any non-disclosure agreement. I am rightfully able to give this document to all the disaster victims that FEMA has callously injured by deigning them the funds mandated from congress and our president. This document contains proprietary and trade secret information, and shall not be used or disclosed outside the Government without the express written approval of Parsons Brinckerhoff.

TRADE MINIMUM LINE ITEMS...........................................................................................................................23

CAUSE OF DAMAGE.......................................................................................................................................24

BASEMENT FLOODING...................................................................................................................................24

INSPECTION GUIDELINES AND COMMON LINE ITEMS (BY REPAIR CATEGORY).............................25

ACCESS/DEBRIS.......................................................................................................................................25

BOAT ITEMS..............................................................................................................................................27

ELECTRICAL..............................................................................................................................................30

FLOORS/WALLS/CEILINGS.......................................................................................................................33

FOUNDATION/MASONRY.........................................................................................................................36

GENERAL...................................................................................................................................................38

HEATING....................................................................................................................................................40

MOBILE HOMES........................................................................................................................................42

PLUMBING.................................................................................................................................................43

ROADS AND BRIDGES...............................................................................................................................45

ROADS.......................................................................................................................................................45

BRIDGES....................................................................................................................................................45

MULTIFAMILY ROAD................................................................................................................................48

SPEED ESTIMATING................................................................................................................................50

UTILITIES...................................................................................................................................................51

WINDOWS AND DOORS...........................................................................................................................54

SPEED ESTIMATING................................................................................................................................55

SPEED ESTIMATING GUIDANCE.......................................................................................................................55

SPEED ESTIMATING FACTORS FOR REPLACEMENT TO FOUR (4) FEET...............................................................56

SPEED ESTIMATING FACTORS FOR REPLACEMENT TO EIGHT (8) FEET..............................................................57

SPEED ESTIMATING FACTORS FOR REPLACEMENT TO TEN (10) FEET................................................................58

PERSONAL PROPERTY SCREENS...........................................................................................................59

DINING TABLE/CHAIRS..................................................................................................................................60

STORED ITEMS.............................................................................................................................................60

DUPLICATE ITEMS.........................................................................................................................................60

UNMET NEEDS SCREEN.........................................................................................................................61

MOVING AND STORAGE.................................................................................................................................61

MEDICAL/MEDICAL PERSONAL PROPERTY........................................................................................................61

DENTAL........................................................................................................................................................61

ESSENTIAL TOOLS........................................................................................................................................61

MISCELLANEOUS PURCHASES........................................................................................................................61

TRANSPORTATION.........................................................................................................................................61

TRANSPORTATION ONLY INSPECTIONS.............................................................................................................62

POST INSPECTION SCREEN.....................................................................................................................63

HOME STATUS BUTTONS...............................................................................................................................63

DEFERRED MAINTENANCE..............................................................................................................................64

TAGGED DWELLINGS.....................................................................................................................................65

SIZE OF RESIDENCE......................................................................................................................................66

TYPE OF RESIDENCE.....................................................................................................................................66

JOB STATUS/JOB COMPLETION STATUS...........................................................................................................66

HABITABILITY DOCUMENT.......................................................................................................................67

SPECIFICATIONS FOR NO CONTACT STATUS.......................................................................................71

RETURN - NO CONTACT................................................................................................................................71

SAMPLE NO CONTACT LETTER........................................................................................................................72

QC QUICKCHECK .............................................................................................................................73

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES.............................................................................................................74

COMPLETING, SUBMITTAL AND PROCESSING OF THE 90-69 FORMS..................................................................74

COMPLETING THE 90-69 FORMS WITH APPLICANT............................................................................................74

SUBMITTING THE 90-69 FORMS AND INVOICE...................................................................................................75

PROCESSING OF THE 90-69 FORMS.................................................................................................................76

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR PROCEDURE FOR INVOICING................................................................................76

INSPECTOR INVOICEQUICK PAYMENT REQUESTS..............................................................................................77

QUICK PAYMENT REQUESTS...........................................................................................................................78

TRAVEL VOUCHER........................................................................................................................................79

INDEX.........................................................................................................................................................80

Introduction

The materials contained in this manual are intended to provide an Independent Contractor performing inspections for Alltech with information to maximize the quality of inspections on homes damaged during Presidentially declared disasters for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Use of this Reference Manual will enable an inspector to quickly find specific information for various categories of inspection rules created by FEMA. The primary source of the rules governing the inspection process comes from FEMA’s Inspection Guidelines (rev.-03/07/03). This document is similar to the version an inspector receives upon arrival to a field deployment. Each disaster has its own set of issues; therefore, the Inspection Guidelines will be different for each type of disaster. The material here will contain a more extensive explanation for new inspectors than the field guidelines that are supplied during a deployment. These supplemental explanations to the FEMA Inspection Guidelines document will be in italics and enclosed in brackets [italics].

The Inspector Reference Manual includes sections:

• Outlining a checklist of the inspection process,

• The most commonly asked applicant questions/answers,

• Instructions on use of various inspection-related software applications,

• Invoicing procedures, and

• Information on the care and use of the computer hardware.

Information on using FEMA’s Automated Construction Estimation software can be found in the FEMA Inspector Orientation Manual.

Questions that arise in the field can be directed to the Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) Field Manager or by contacting the PB office at one of FEMA’s National Processing Service Centers (NPSC). An inspector should never guess about the correct action while in the field.

Tips for Quality Inspections

Each inspector may have an individual style for approaching the sequence of the inspection process. The following information can serve as a checklist to aid the inspector in performing quality inspections. Further information regarding specific guidelines, as directed by FEMA, can be found in the Inspection Guidelines section of this manual.

Schedule Appointment

1. Utilizing the FirstCheck program, check for NPSC return(s), No Contact(s) or other inspections requiring immediate attention. PB NPSC staff may also notify the inspector by telephone when an application requires immediate attention.

2. Schedule the oldest work first!

3. Schedule appointments within a two-hour window. If the applicant is not living in the damaged dwelling, schedule with an exact time or within a 30-minute time period.

4. Call to reschedule if delayed or unable to keep the scheduled appointment.

NOTE: The PB customer service questionnaire each applicant completes asks if the inspector kept the appointment time.

5. Verify the damaged dwelling (DD) address. Ask for directions to the DD, if needed. Ask the applicant to use landmarks when giving directions. Ask if there are roads that should be avoided during rush hour time periods.

6. Ask, “Was the damaged dwelling your primary residence at the time of the disaster?”

7. Instruct the applicant to have ownership and occupancy verification documents ready. Give specific examples of which items will be needed upon your arrival at the dwelling.

Applicant Interview Verifications

1. Prepare Forms before arriving for the inspection in order to save time while at the damaged dwelling.

2. Present the Hello Letter to the applicant as an introduction and to address commonly asked questions.

3. Explain the Applicant’s Statement (Privacy Act). Obtain the applicant’s signature. Give the applicant the fourth copy. Do NOT give the applicant the original signed copy. Include “Registration Signed – YES” on the Registration Information Screen.

4. Obtain the applicant’s signature and date of birth on the Declaration of legal residence. It is best to view identification of the person signing the form, since he/she is attesting to qualified presence in the United States. Select “Declaration Signed – YES” on Registration Information Screen. Select the corresponding residency type in drop-down box. Leave the bottom copy of the form for the applicant’s records. Do NOT give the applicant the original signed copy.

5. In the absence of the applicant, obtain the signature of a member of the household (MOH). This individual must be over the age of 18 and determined to have been a part of the household at the time of the disaster. In addition, he/she must be knowledgeable of the application for assistance. If a person, other than the applicant, signs the form and is a member of the household, indicate this next to signature by MOH. Remember, the person signing the form is attesting to his/her qualified presence in the U.S.

6. Fill in the required information on the PB Customer Service Post Card. Invite the applicant to send it in.

NOTE: Many inspectors find that they have a higher rate of return for the postcards when it is presented and explained to the applicant at the end of the inspection.

View Verification Documents

(Record on the Registration Information Screen)

1. Verify the correct spelling of the name and address of the applicant. Correct all typing errors or address changes in capital letters. A comment is required when correcting any Registration Information data. If the county that the damaged dwelling is located in is corrected, flag the inspection for Host Action.

2. Confirm the Occupancy Type.

3. Verify occupancy by viewing the applicant’s current utility bill, driver’s license, rental agreement/receipt, merchant bill, or by a local official or landlord statement. If no other source is available, a neighbor’s statement (non-family member) or landlord can be used as a last resort (obtain name and phone number of person verifying). Comment on any verbal verification.

4. Verify ownership by viewing the applicant’s homeowner’s insurance, mortgage information, title papers, deed, tax bill or bill of sale. Using the drop-down box, select the method of verification. If documents are not available, call the local Tax or County Assessor’s Office to verify ownership. The Assessor’s name and telephone number should be listed in Comments. Comment if the ownership is listed as “Not Verified.”

5. Verify the insurance information listed on the Registration Information Screen. Highlight and select the EDIT button to include information about the insurance company, policy number (if available), agent's name and phone number. Type “N/A” in the agent name box if it is unavailable. Add any new policies that are not already listed. If the applicant has no insurance add, “No Real or Personal Property Insurance” in the Insurance box.

Interview Questions

(Record responses on the Registration Information Screen)

1. How many people lived in the home at the time of the disaster (excluding boarders or renters)?

2. How many rooms in the whole house were occupied and furnished as sleeping rooms by full-time residents at the time of the disaster (including boarders or renters)?

3. Did you or a member of your family have an emergency need for clothing? If the answer is yes, a comment is required explaining the cause of damage.

4. An inspector may be required to ask the applicant about a previous FEMA disaster claim if the applicant resides in the designated county where two separate disasters have occurred. Note the completion status of any prior damages in comments. This is only required if requested by FEMA in the disaster-specific guidelines.

(Record the following on responses on Applicant Information Screen)

5. Record the names of all other adults (non-dependents), including spouses, occupying the damaged dwelling at the time of the disaster. Obtain their social security numbers, if available.

6. Select the drop-down box to provide TYPE OF METER. Use the electric meter whenever possible. Add the meter number stamped inside the round glass meter cover by the power company.

7. Record the highest water level observed inside the dwelling (HIGH WATER FLOOR) in feet and inches.

8. Make the appropriate selection for the type of FOUNDATION and the type of DWELLING.

9. If the disaster-specific guidelines specify, use the CUSTOM QUESTIONS button to provide the appropriate answers.

(Record the following on responses on Unmet Needs Screen)

10. Ask the applicant if he/she or any member of the household incurred any medical, dental or funeral expenses, as a result of the disaster. If the answer is "yes," mark the appropriate radio button on the Applicant Information Screen and add an explanatory comment.

11. Ask the applicant if the disaster caused them to incur any moving or storage expenses in order to protect essential personal property. If the answer is "yes," mark the appropriate radio button on the Applicant Information Screen and add an Unmet Need comment. This item does not include hotel or motel expenses.

12. Ask the applicant if any of their vehicles were made inoperable or not legal to operate by the disaster? If the answer is "yes," mark the YES button. Add the necessary information on ALL vehicles owned by the applicant or any member of the household in the TRANSPORTATION box. This should not include vehicles that were not operational prior to the disaster.

13. Ask the applicant if he/she lost any school equipment or applicant-owned tools required for employment. Select the damaged item from the ESSENTIAL TOOLS list and enter the quantity and cause of damage. Do not list items for self-employed applicants. This requires an explanatory comment.

14. Ask the applicant if it was necessary to purchase any of the items from the MISCELLANEOUS PURCHASES box. This requires an explanatory comment.

(Record the following on responses on Post Inspection Screen)

15. At the time of the inspection, indicate if the home continues to be without a public essential utility (outside the jurisdiction of the applicant to repair) by using the UTILITIES OUT button. Select the appropriate "Utilities Out =" standard comment to record the utility that is not available due to the disaster.

16. If the UTILITIES OUT button is marked YES, or if the dwelling is INACCESSIBLE, or determined UNSAFE TO LIVE IN, ask the applicant if they need to relocate and record their answer by marking the appropriate radio button.

Comments

1. Enter your Inspector ID number.

2. Choose a description of the damaged dwelling from the 'canned' comments.

3. Enter any comments required by the FEMA Inspection Guidelines and/or addenda issued for each disaster.

Inspecting the Home

Measure the exterior of the home using a tape measure or measuring wheel. Calculate the square footage of the finished living area and make the appropriate entry on the Post Inspection Screen. Inspect all rooms indicated as having sustained disaster-related damage by the applicant. Record the required repairs using the Real Property Screen. Parsons Reference Manual Brinckerhoff Rev. 04/2003 This document was given to Chad Beckwith Smith in Ohio 2003 well working as a subcontractor doing FEMA Inspections with out a written contract and without signing any non-disclosure agreement. I am rightfully able to give this document to all the disaster victims that FEMA has callously injured by deigning them the funds mandated from congress and our president. This document contains proprietary and trade secret information, and shall not be used or disclosed outside the Government without the express written approval of Parsons Brinckerhoff. 4

Real Property damage for an Owner is recorded from the time of the disaster, even if the repairs have been made. Renters will have no Real Property repairs listed on their

inspection reports. Be sure to walk around the entire exterior of the structure and look into the crawlspace and foundation.

Deferred maintenance or pre-existing condition line item repair recommendations are not included unless they have been significantly worsened by the disaster. Indicate the cause of each repair recorded. For items not significantly worsened by the disaster, do not list those repairs. Indicate the categories for the areas of DEFERRED MAINTENANCE on the Post Inspection Screen.

Ask the applicant if he/she was able to salvage any essential items located within each room. Assess those disaster-related damages to essential furnishings and appliances/mechanical devices on the Personal Property Screen. Do not include the assessment of personal effects owned by other applicants or non-dependents living in the home. Address only those appliances owned by the applicant as Replace, Repair, Not Affected. If the landlord owned any of the items, enter them as Landlord-owned. Leave blank those items that were not owned by the applicant or the landlord. Each line item requires a quantity, damage cause, and damage level entry. It is as important to inventory those furnishings and appliances/mechanical devices not damaged throughout the dwelling, as it is to list the damaged items.

Finishing the Inspection

1. When the inspection is completed and the Summary Screens have been reviewed for accuracy, select a JOB STATUS and JOB COMPLETION STATUS from the drop-down menus.

2. When FEMA requires it, select the HOST ACTION button and make the appropriate comment.

3. Enter an accurate square footage of the finished living area of the home (exclude garages, unfinished basements and outbuildings). A measuring wheel or tape must be used to determine the square footage of each dwelling.

4. Include information on the TYPE OF RESIDENCE. Comment when using OTHER for non-traditional damaged residences.

5. Explain all lump sums in Comments.

6. Use the PB QuickCheck program to detect any errors in the inspection report before you leave the area. If necessary, you will be able to return and obtain the information necessary to make the appropriate corrections.

7. Leave the PB Customer Service Post Card and explain its purpose to the applicant. Invite the applicant to send it in. Leave an Applicant Checklist Note with the applicant at this time.

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT:

Communicate your computer with the NPSC at least twice a day each and every day, whether sending completed inspections or not. Send completed work up early!!!

Check the Inspector Broadcast Line twice daily to receive important updates and changes to FEMA's disaster-specific guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions, An Inspector’s Guide to Customer Service

The Inspection

WHY ARE YOU HERE?

I am here to assess the damage caused to your home by the recent disaster.

HOW will this inspection HELP MY FAMILY?

This inspection will provide the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Program with the information necessary to determine your eligibility to receive funds for emergency housing assistance (repair or relocation moneys) and/or funds for the replacement of essential personal properties.

I was told I’m only eligible for a loan and not a grant, and I DON'T WANT A LOAN. Why do I need an inspection?

I am here to inspect the damage your home received for the INDIVIDUALS AND HOUSEHOLDS PROGRAM, which is not related to the SBA loan program. You may be eligible for grant money for basic repairs or rental assistance. If SBA determines you cannot at this time repay a loan, in most cases you will automatically be referred to the INDIVIDUALS AND HOUSEHOLDS PROGRAM for assistance.

Can you go and see my NEIGHBOR’S HOUSE as long as you’re here?

If I have been assigned that inspection, I will be going there. If it has not been assigned to me and your neighbor has registered with FEMA, another inspector will be inspecting their house.

HOW LONG will this inspection take?

Just long enough to record the damage and answer your questions, typically about twenty to forty-five minutes.

Will the inspector need to see RECEIPTS or PHOTOGRAPHS to verify my damages?

Generally, the inspector will NOT need to view receipts or photographs; however, in some instances he/she may request either or both to clarify a condition or circumstance.

Why do I have to prove OCCUPANCY and OWNERSHIP?

It is required by regulation that FEMA verify occupancy and ownership before giving disaster assistance. Only primary residences are eligible for assistance.

What if I have IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY NEEDS?

The Red Cross or other voluntary agencies may be able to meet immediate emergency needs for food, clothing, or lodging. You should contact the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-525-0321 for information about any programs, which may provide emergency assistance.

Will you give me an ESTIMATE of the costs of repairs?

My computer does not assign a value to the repairs. That is done by FEMA’s processing department. I can only record the damage and file the inspection report. You will receive a letter informing you of your eligibility for assistance.

What IF I DON’T AGREE with the results of the inspection?

FEMA will explain in their letter how you may appeal eligibility determinations.

Will FEMA send ANOTHER INSPECTOR to view my property?

You may be randomly selected for re-inspection as part of a Quality Control program to help us evaluate the overall performance of our inspectors. If you have applied with SBA or other agencies, they may send a representative as well.

How will the inspector evaluate any DAMAGE TO MY ROOF OR UNDER MY HOME?

Although the inspector does not go on the roof or into the crawlspaces, the inspector will observe the roof from the ground and the crawlspace from an exterior vantage point for indication of damage that may affect the habitability of your home.

Assistance Provided

WHAT is Individuals and Households Program assistance?

IHP is a grant program funded by FEMA. The purpose of the program is to make sure that people have a safe, secure and sanitary place to live.

Can I get some help for my BUSINESS LOSSES?

The Small Business Administration has a commercial loan program which addresses uninsured damage to your business or other economic injury incurred as the result of the disaster.

Will FEMA PAY for ALL my damage?

By regulation, FEMA can only cover disaster-related damage to your residence that is not covered by your insurance. FEMA’s INDIVIDUALS AND HOUSEHOLDS PROGRAM can address only your emergency repairs and needs. This program is not intended to fully restore your property to pre-disaster condition. Awards are based on the average repair and replacement costs for your area. An SBA Loan or IHP Grant may cover further disaster-related damage.

WHO will PAY for my: computer, schoolbooks, tools, medical/dental and funeral expenses, repairs to my vehicle, and moving and storage costs incurred because of the disaster?

You may be eligible for disaster-related medical, dental, and funeral expenses under the INDIVIDUALS AND HOUSEHOLDS PROGRAM. IHP may cover some essential work-related items, school supplies, vehicle damage and moving or storage expenses if you lack repayment capability for an SBA loan.

What is the MAXIMUM AMOUNT I can get?

The FEMA Helpline will be able to give more information regarding the amount of assistance you may receive.

If I am DENIED HOUSING assistance, am I still eligible for any PERSONAL PROPERTY losses?

You may be eligible for personal property losses under the SBA loan program or the INDIVIDUALS AND HOUSEHOLDS PROGRAM.

Other Housing Questions

CALL THE HELPLINE for more information on the INDIVIDUALS AND HOUSEHOLDS PROGRAM, 1-800-621- FEMA (3362).

SBA Loans

What does SBA do?

SBA is the Small Business Administration. In a disaster, the SBA provides low-interest loans for restoring or replacing uninsured or underinsured disaster-damaged real and personal property in addition to assisting businesses.

If I DON’T WANT A LOAN, why do I need to fill out the loan packet?

If you fill out the loan application and send it in, the SBA may decide that you cannot repay a loan at this time and, in most cases, you would then automatically be referred to the INDIVIDUALS AND HOUSEHOLDS PROGRAM.

Do I HAVE TO ACCEPT an SBA LOAN?

No. If you are offered a loan, you are under no obligation to accept it. However, refusing the loan could make you ineligible for other programs.

If I don’t apply for an SBA loan, CAN I GET A GRANT?

You must first be determined ineligible for a loan from the SBA before you can be considered for the INDIVIDUALS AND HOUSEHOLDS PROGRAM grant. Based on your income level, the SBA will determine whether you are eligible to APPLY for a disaster loan. If you receive an SBA loan package, you should complete it and return it even if you DO NOT WANT a loan.

If I get an SBA loan, do I have to RETURN THE FEMA HOUSING MONEY?

No, SBA will deduct any FEMA provided repair funds from your loan amount. Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) for information on how to contact SBA.

Insurance and FEMA

WHY do I have to FILE with my INSURANCE company before FEMA will help me?

By law, FEMA cannot duplicate the benefits of your insurance coverage.

If I have INSURANCE, what can FEMA help me with?

You may be eligible for funds for disaster-related damage that is not covered by your insurance, including Additional Living Expenses (ALE).

What Happens Next?

What happens AFTER this INSPECTION?

You will be notified by mail of the decision made by the FEMA Housing Program, usually within 7-10 days.

What am I going to be ELIGIBLE for?

FEMA determines eligibility utilizing the information you supplied when registering, along with the inspection results.

WHEN will I get a CHECK?

Your application will be processed as quickly as possible. You should be receiving a letter from FEMA in 7-10 days concerning the results of your eligibility.

HOW MUCH MONEY will I receive?

If FEMA determines that you are eligible, the award is based on the average repairs and replacement costs in your area.

Making Repairs

Can I CLEAN my house up now?

It is recommended that you begin cleaning up as soon as possible. If you have insurance and your insurance adjustor has not been out yet, check with them first. They may ask that you take photos of the damage.

Who can I get to do the REPAIRS to my house?

The person or contractor of your choice may complete repairs. However, authorized repairs must conform to applicable local and State building codes. Be sure to obtain and check references on any contractor or repairman and get everything in writing before work is begun. You may also make the repairs yourself.

What am I supposed to DO WITH the MONEY I receive?

Funds are for the repair of your primary residence, for rental assistance to live elsewhere, or for the replacement of personal property losses. You will receive a letter that will tell you how the money should be spent. Any unused funds should be returned to FEMA.

Can I use a RENTAL CHECK, which I might receive, to MAKE REPAIRS on my home?

Yes, but you will not be eligible for additional rental assistance.

May I use the repair money for OTHER ITEMS than those mentioned in the letter?

Yes, the money may be used for other disaster-related needs, but you cannot then request further assistance for those repairs that were covered in the letter.

Why did FEMA not give me ENOUGH MONEY to cover ALL of my REPAIRS and replace ALL of my PERSONAL PROPERTY?

FEMA Individuals and Households Program Assistance only covers the disaster-related costs needed to make a home livable. Funds received from FEMA are based on average material and labor costs in your area. The award should be enough to make your home livable. This award may not be enough to cover more extensive repairs and does not cover personal belongings. It is recommended that you seek bids to repair your property from more than one contractor, as bids can vary considerably.

Will I be able to obtain RENTAL ASSISTANCE from FEMA while I am MAKING REPAIRS to my home?

FEMA realizes that in some instances, you may need to be out of your home while repairs are being made and you cannot find a place to stay. If you have any questions regarding rental assistance eligibility, call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) and let them know about your need for short-term lodging.

Will FEMA PAY to elevate my home, or any other PREVENTIVE MEASURE?

Preventive measures are not covered under the home repair program.

Rent

The RENTAL CHECK I receive is NOT ENOUGH to rent another place; can I receive additional funds?

The rental check you received is based on the current Fair Market Rental (FMR) rates in your area and the number of bedrooms occupied at the time of the disaster. Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). They should be able to provide you information on rental property in your area that is within the fair market rates.

IF YOU NOTICE SERIOUS APPLICANT NEEDS

To get HELP FOR IMMEDIATE FOOD, CLOTHING SHELTER, MEDICAL NEEDS:

Tell applicants to call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to ask for the nearest location of the Red Cross in their area.

To get HELP FOR ELDERLY to: get repairs done; access emergency assistance; gain emotional support; fill out forms:

Tell applicants to call the FEMA Helpline 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) and ask for the Aging Services Agency telephone number.

To get HELP FOR those experiencing EMOTIONAL STRESS from the disaster:

Parsons Reference Manual Brinckerhoff Rev. 04/2003 This document contains proprietary and trade secret information, and shall not be used or disclosed outside the Government without the express written approval of Parsons Brinckerhoff. 9

Tell applicants to call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621- FEMA (3362) and ask for the Crisis Counseling telephone number.

IF YOU NOTICE APPLICANT SPECIAL NEEDS

To get immediate HELP FOR APPLICANTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS:

YOU (the Inspector) should immediately CALL 1-800-228-6725 and report the case to PB’s Special Needs coordinator at the Texas NPSC.

INSPECTION GUIDELINES

REGISTRATION INFORMATION SCREEN

Name, Address, And Phone Numbers, and E-Mail Address

[This information is downloaded to the inspector.]

?? Make corrections to the applicant’s name only when minor spelling changes are required.

• Do not make complete name changes to the applicant under any circumstance. If the application you receive was put in on behalf of another individual, advise that individual to make his or her own application.

[Example] If John Smith put in the application for Mary Jones, John Smith's application will be a Withdrawn or Not Primary (as appropriate). Mary Jones will need to call in for her own application.

?? Verify and make any needed changes to the current mailing address and phone numbers.

?? Make changes to the damaged dwelling address, and complete the inspection on the applicant’s damaged dwelling.

?? Comment on all changes in name, address or phone number.

Verify Existing Insurance Coverage

?? Confirm insurance coverage downloaded to you.

?? Do not edit existing insurance types that are downloaded to you. There are two exceptions to this rule:

1. When the dwelling type is a mobile home, homeowners insurance was listed, and the applicant clearly has a mobile home policy.

2. When you view a cancellation letter dated prior to the disaster. Edit the insurance type, enter No RP or PP Insurance, and add a comment (i.e. Viewed Cancellation Letter).

?? Add additional insurance types indicated by the applicant; be sure to address all fields on the insurance screen.

Occupancy Type

Not Primary Residence

?? Select “Not Primary Residence” if the applicant states that the damaged

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Parsons Reference Manual Brinckerhoff Rev. 04/2003 This document was given to Chad Beckwith Smith in Ohio 2003 well working as a subcontractor doing FEMA Inspections with out a written contract and without signing any non-disclosure agreement. I am rightfully able to give this document to all the disaster victims that FEMA has callously injured by deigning them the funds mandated from congress and our president. This document contains proprietary and trade secret information, and shall not be used or disclosed outside the Government without the express written approval of Parsons Brinckerhoff. 11FEMA Housing Inspection Services

dwelling is not their primary residence.

?? Record Ownership and Occupancy as Not Verified.

?? Record the Size of Residence as 10 square feet, Bedrooms Occupied as 1, Household Composition as 1, and Number Requiring Clothing as 0.

?? Record the Meter Type as Not Available.

?? Address Foundation and Dwelling Type.

?? Record the Home Unsafe to Live In as NO.

?? Address all Unmet Needs fields.

?? Record Exterior as Not Affected.

?? Obtain signatures when possible.

?? Comment on the reason for the Not Primary Residence determination.

?? Save the inspection as a Done/Complete.

?? See below under Occupancy Verified if the applicant claims that the dwelling is their primary residence, but is unable to provide occupancy verification.

Renter

?? Comment Boarding House, and change the dwelling type to Multi-family only if you confirm that the applicant lives in a true boarding house; one which is set up as a commercial (income producing) property as opposed to a person renting out a single room in their home.

Ownership Verified

Displays a list of valid methods for verifying ownership. By selecting one of these choices, you are saying that you viewed the document.

• Be aware that FEMA may consider an applicant an owner, even though they might not hold formal title, if both of the following conditions exist:

1. The applicant pays no rent, and

2. The applicant has lifetime occupancy rights with formal title vested in another (You must view a notarized document), or

3. The applicant is responsible for maintenance and/or taxes. (You must view receipts for repairs or taxes).

• If the applicant has no documentation of ownership, you have called the tax office, and are still unable to verify ownership, change the applicant from owner to renter. Complete the inspection as an owner recording real property, etc., and comment on the change. This is a last resort only, and does not take the place of either the call to the tax office or a possible second site visit.

• You may also change from owner to renter when the applicant states they are a renter, or you have viewed rent receipts. In this case complete the inspection as a renter.

• Record the name of the mortgage company, the loan number, and phone number in the Mortgage Information box if a mortgage payment book is used

to verify ownership.

• Record the policy number, insurance company, insurance type, and agent’s name and phone number in the Insurance Information box, when structural insurance is used to verify ownership.

• Call the local tax office to get verbal confirmation of ownership when the applicant is unable to provide documentation. Record in Comments the name of the person you spoke to at the tax office, and whether or not they were able to verify ownership.

• Perform a second site visit if the applicant is unable to verify ownership at the time of the inspection. This would apply when the applicant states that they will be able to provide acceptable documentation within a reasonable amount of time. An unsuccessful attempt to verify ownership with the tax office does not take place of this requirement.

• If the applicant presents a bill of sale (primarily seen with mobile homes) that is dated before the disaster, it does not have to be notarized to be acceptable, as long as it appears to be a legitimate sales agreement.

NOTE: The document is not acceptable if it is dated after the disaster, or if there are concerns about its legitimacy. (for example, a document dated 3 years ago that has been through a tornado and a flood in the mobile home, but looks crisp and clean).

Occupancy Verified

Displays a list of valid methods for verifying occupancy. If you select one of these methods, you are stating that you viewed the document.

• If the applicant has no documentation for occupancy, select Not Verified and comment that no documentation was available. If occupancy is Not Verified, but the applicant claims that the dwelling is the primary residence, complete the inspection for real and personal property, and record the appropriate information in the HOME STATUS fields. Verbal verification of occupancy is acceptable. The inspector must attempt to obtain verbal verification of occupancy by either the landlord or the utility company. No special comment would be needed that the verification was done over the phone.

• Do not record Home Unsafe as NO simply because the applicant is unable to verify occupancy.

• Record in Comments the Landlord’s name and phone number when occupancy of a renter is verified with the Landlord.

• Only record occupancy as verified if the applicant lived in the damaged dwelling at the time of the disaster. The initial inspector is not expected to prove “Intent to occupy.” For instance, if the dwelling was under construction or being remodeled at the time of the disaster and the applicant lived elsewhere, complete the inspection as normal, and record occupancy as “Not Verified” with a brief comment describing the situation.

Applicant’s Signature

• Obtain signatures for all inspections, with the exception of No Contacts, and Withdrawn inspections when you are unable to meet with the applicant.

• Obtain signatures only from members of the pre-disaster household 18 years or age or older.

Declaration of Applicant

The applicant or another adult member of the pre-disaster household (18 years of age or older) must sign the Self-Declaration form, after that person shows any form of ID. The signer must also select a box that attests to their being a citizen/ non-citizen national or a qualified alien in the United States.

• Mark the Declaration Signed - YES. No further investigation into this issue is required.

• Record the applicant’s selection in the Declaration drop-down box.

[The signature and date of birth must be for the person signing the Declaration.]

• Return the inspection as a DONE and WITHDRAWN if the applicant won't sign either of the certification forms, perform a complete inspection and mark the appropriate signature boxes as Not Obtained and comment (i.e. Withdrawn = App Refused to Sign, No Self D, etc.). There is no need to Flag the inspection for Host review. [Host Action]

• If the application is in the name of a minor child who is lawfully present, but the parents are not lawfully present, select “Qualified Alien”, and comment “Minor Child = Qualified Alien”. No further comment or investigation is required. There is no requirement to view documentation proving declaration such as birth certificates or social security cards.

Number of People Requiring Clothing

• Address the disaster-related clothing needs of the applicant and dependents, not just the loss of clothing.

• Record both quantity and cause of damage in the fields provided.

Number of Bedrooms Occupied

[This number does not include boarders and renters.]

Household Composition

Record the number of household members who resided in the dwelling at the time of the event. Do not include boarders or renters.

Household Composition, Bedrooms Occupied and Personal Property

1. When there are multiple non-dependent family members living together as a household, and there is no commercial relationship established between them, record the personal property for the entire household.

EXAMPLE: If the home were owned by a grandmother with two college-age, non-dependent grandchildren living there, the Household Composition and Bedrooms Occupied would be three (3). Personal Property would be recorded for all members of the household.

2. When there are 2 non-dependents, such as college roommates or owner/boarder, living together as a household, all of the personal property owned by the applicant is recorded.

The Household Composition and Bedrooms Occupied is two (2).

Build one room as a bedroom and address the second bedroom as an office, (or family room, hallway).

If the personal property damage level is replace, and is owned equally by the roommates or owner/boarder record the personal property for the applicant as an X (50%). Percentage is based on the applicant’s statement.

Comment "OFFICE = NON-DEPENDENT CO-OCC" and

“NON-DEPENDENT CO-OCC PP NOT RECORDED ON THIS REPORT.” (The second roommate will file separately and personal property will be addressed in the same manner.)

In the case of a true boarder, one with a commercial relationship with the owner, occupying a bedroom in the owner's home use the "Boarder Occupied" room description. (The boarder will file separately and personal property will be addressed in that inspection.)

Comments Screen

The Inspector ID# should be the first entry for every application in Comments. Please use the standard comments where possible. This screen is used to clarify inspection items and to provide pertinent information that FEMA should know. In many cases, a comment is required by one of your choices in the inspection process. (Examples include: Essential Utilities Out, verbal verification of occupancy, Not Primary Residence, Lump Sums, Inaccessible, and Destroyed.)

A full list of available Standard Comments is included at the end of this section.

The HOST ACTION button is found on this screen. A comment is always required when the HOST ACTION button is selected.

Host Action

There are no required Host Actions for the inspector. (Consult specific Inspection Guideline Addenda for special instructions for each disaster).

Selecting the HOST ACTION radio button (located at the top of the Comments Screen) will halt the electronic progression of an inspection toward program delivery, bringing specific comments to the attention of FEMA for manual review, eligibility determination, or pricing. It is not necessary to select HOST ACTION except for those specific circumstances as required by PB or FEMA. The following conditions will always require HOST ACTION YES unless disaster-specific guidelines dictate otherwise. A comment is always required to explain the situation for the HOST ACTION call.

Unless the disaster-specific guidelines require it, there will be few reasons to use this option. To "flag" an inspection, the button for HOST ACTION is marked YES. A comment on the reason for the flag is required. Flag an inspection when there is a pertinent condition that is not reflected in the line items (i.e., imminent danger). Do not flag cases unnecessarily.

NEMIS automatically flags inspections for a variety of reasons. The inspector should flag inspections only as directed in the guidelines or addenda to the guidelines. The basic reasons for flagging an inspection are:

Other type of DD

If unsafe home = yes, and you are unable to record line items (for an owner only)

Correction made to the County

List of Standard Comments

[