After tragic impacts from storm damage caused by back-to-back Hurricanes Helene and Milton, FEMA might be trying to reach out to you if you’ve applied for disaster assistance or started an application.
FEMA inspectors might call from an unfamiliar number or area code to obtain more information to process your application or to schedule an inspection.
“Currently, FEMA has deployed more than 4,800 personnel to the affected areas, contributing to a total of over 7,500 federal responders who are working together to support state and local governments in their recovery efforts. FEMA personnel on the ground are actively coordinating with local officials, conducting damage assessments, and helping individuals apply for disaster assistance programs,” said a press release from FEMA.
With calls coming from unfamiliar numbers and area codes, FEMA wants applicants to be aware of scam callers pretending to be associates from disaster assistance.
Personnel conducting actual home inspections never charge for services and will carry a photo ID when coming to inspect your home.
If someone asks you for money, they do not represent FEMA. Fraud attempts become more common after a disaster.
To apply for disaster assistance, you’re encouraged to apply online at DisasterAsistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You can also apply by calling 800-621-3362, however, wait times may be longer due to high call volumes following Hurricane Milton.
If you applied for damages after Hurricanes Debby and Helene and now have additional damage from Hurricane Milton, you will need to apply separately for Milton and provide dates of the most recent damages.