FEMA On The Ground Following NC Tornadoes...

Federal Emergency Management Agency officials in central and eastern North Carolina are continuing inspections of homes damaged in tornadoes that swept across the state on April 16.

Estimates are complete for about 90 percent of the storm victims that had registered for federal aid, with some 3000 homes involved in the inspection process.  31 inspectors have been on the ground in the last two weeks performing the home inspections. 

Tornadoes left behind not only wind damage, but also water damage as a result of the homes being opened to the elements.  Floors, ceilings, insulation, and furniture suffered damaged as a result.

In order to get federal assistance through FEMA, homeowners like Sorensen must submit to an inspection that assesses damage and the livability of a home.

"We look for things such as health hazards, structural damages, foundation damages, roof damages, those types of things," said FEMA inspector Doug Huddleston.

The storms of the last month have demonstrated just how important it is to have a provider in place who can work on your home in the event of damage related to severe weather.  Unfortunately, since there are no government regulations in place to govern who can and cannot do this sort of work, communities are filled with damage restoration companies, many of which are unqualified to work on your home or business.

Hiring the wrong company may actually make your situation worse, easily doubling or even tripling your repair bills before it’s over.  So how do you know if the company you are hiring is reputable?

Fortunately, the water damage restoration industry has done a remarkable job of policing itself with the formation of two unofficial governing bodies, namely the Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and the Restoration Industry Association (RIA).  These agencies set in place standards of care, accepted procedures, as well as offering certification in any number of water damage related services for those companies who wish to be credible authorities on the subject.

Hiring a certified company means you get 24/7/365 service, a trained, professional staff, the latest in equipment and procedures, as well as a full range of services from water extraction and drying, to carpet cleaning and mold removal, and structural repair, reconstruction, and restoration. 

Look for the IICRC or RIA seal of approval before hiring any flood damage or water damage restoration expert.