As the COVID-19 pandemic begins to subside and a significant number of Americans are vaccinated, FEMA has expanded upon Remote home inspections for disaster survivors, adding Hybrid inspections to our assignments. This two-pronged inspection approach will be applied to all deployments until further notice.

Inspectors will contact disaster survivors who applied for FEMA assistance to schedule and complete either a Remote or Hybrid inspection.

These processes are currently being used in both DR-4595 KY and DR-4601 TN. Though these are small jobs only requiring a few inspectors, there is a learning curve. Inspections are going smoothly and taking less time to complete than traditional boots-on-the-ground inspections.

For Remote inspections (currently about 80% of assignments):

• These inspections are performed remotely. No travel or deployment to the disaster site by the inspector is necessary.
• While some inspectors complete inspections only through the telephone interview, other inspectors assigned unique FEMA equipment speak with applicants and verify damages in the home through live video.
• Inspectors must have telephone service, internet access, and a dedicated workspace to perform Remote inspections without interruption or distractions. Workplaces should be private to protect applicant PII and to prevent anyone from overhearing applicant conversations.
• WSP will provide additional training on an as-needed basis.

For Hybrid inspections (currently about 20% of assignments):

• A few local inspectors are deployed to the disaster site.
• Inspectors make phone contact and schedule a time to meet applicants at their dwelling.
• Most of the inspection is still performed using the Remote guidelines and via the telephone interview, but the inspector meets the applicant onsite, views their verifications (socially distanced at the door), and performs an exterior walk-around to verify external damages that support the claim.
• No interior inspections are allowed at this point.
• FEMA hopes the Video and Hybrid inspection processes will assist in verifying the homes with the most severe damages.

Inspectors will continue to use customer service best practices while conducting these Remote or Hybrid inspections so applicants will feel at ease with the process and comfortable with the inspector.

Inspectors are expected to communicate finished work back to the office multiple times during the day in a timely manner.

Inspectors must update availability for all types of inspections every 30 days on their WSP Inspector Webpage and be marked as “YES” to be considered for activity.

 

Stay safe and healthy,

WSP USA Inspection Services Management