FEMA to begin inspections of flood-damaged homes for disaster aid

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will soon be contacting Whatcom County residents who applied for federal individual assistance following damage from December’s flooding to schedule housing inspections.

FEMA said anyone who applied for disaster assistance should keep an eye out for a call or text from a housing inspector to schedule an appointment. Applicants must be present for the inspection and be able to prove occupancy or ownership with a utility bill or copy of a deed or mortgage with their name on it.

Inspectors will present their official FEMA identification and will never ask for money. If you are concerned about someone claiming to be a FEMA inspector, do not provide personal information and contact law enforcement.

The housing inspection will take about 45 minutes, FEMA said. Housing inspectors will look at factors such as the structural soundness of the home, whether the house is safe to live in and if the electrical, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer systems are working. They will also consider personal property losses.

Eligibility for FEMA assistance will not be decided onsite by inspectors. Applicants can expect to hear from FEMA within seven to 10 days.

Anyone whose property was damaged by the flooding and whose losses weren’t covered by insurance can still apply for FEMA assistance online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.

In addition to FEMA assistance, homeowners impacted by the flooding can apply for low-interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Eligible homeowners can borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property and up to $500,000 to replace or repair their residence.

Hannah Edelman

The Bellingham Herald

Hannah Edelman joined The Bellingham Herald in January 2025 as courts and investigations reporter. Edelman resides in Burlington. Support my work with a digital subscription