78.5 F
Charlotte Amalie
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
HomeNewsLocal governmentFEMA Advises It's Okay to Clean Up Homes and Businesses Damaged by...

FEMA Advises It’s Okay to Clean Up Homes and Businesses Damaged by Hurricane

Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) inform homeowners, renters and business owners affected by Hurricane Irma on St. Thomas and St. John that it isn’t necessary to wait for a housing inspector before cleaning up.

Whether that inspection is with FEMA, an insurance company or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), FEMA officials report that it’s always a good practice, prior to a visit from an inspector, to take the necessary steps to make one’s home safe and sanitary.

If possible, take photographs of the damage before cleaning up. Also, keep receipts on purchases and services related to hurricane cleanup.

“We understand that residents want to get their hurricane-damaged homes cleaned up as soon as possible, but they may be wondering whether this will affect their opportunity for disaster assistance,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer William Vogel. “The answer is: you don’t need to wait for us to get your property cleaned up. Just be sure to document the damage.”

St. Thomas and St. John have been designated for federal individual assistance because of the Sept. 7th major disaster declaration resulting from Hurricane Irma in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Survivors who sustained uninsured or underinsured Irma-related damage to their homes, vehicles, personal property, business or its inventory beginning Sept. 5 and continuing should register with FEMA for assistance.

FEMA’s housing inspectors will contact survivors who have registered with it either by phone or directly in order to set up the inspection. These inspectors carry FEMA identification and are thoroughly trained.

Registration with FEMA can be completed online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, in Spanish at www.DisasterAssistance.gov/es, or by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362.

The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Operators are standing by to assist survivors in English, Spanish and many other languages.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS