FEMA to check storm-damaged homes in Missouri for assistance

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (WSIL) -- Residents and business owners in Missouri who applied for federal assistance after the severe storms in March will soon hear from FEMA inspectors. The storms, which included tornadoes and wildfires, occurred on March 14-15, 2025.

FEMA inspectors will contact those who reported disaster-related damage in several counties, which are Bollinger, Butler, Camden, Carter, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Louis, Wayne, Webster, and Wright Counties. Applicants must have registered with FEMA to be eligible for assistance.

FEMA typically schedules inspections within 7 to 10 days of registration. Inspectors document personal property losses and assess whether a house is safe, sanitary, and livable.

"The inspectors do not make outright FEMA eligibility decisions on site," said a FEMA representative. "They gather information that is among many factors used to determine if, or how FEMA may be able to help."

Here are some areas the housing inspector will consider...

The structural soundness of the house, both inside and out.
Whether the electrical, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer/septic systems are in working order.
Whether the house is safe to live in and can be entered and exited safely.
Whether any accessibility features that existed before the disaster are damaged or if any may need to be added to make the house livable.
Personal property losses.

Here is a list of how FEMA inspections work...

Storm survivors must have initiated a no-cost FEMA application for disaster assistance.
Once registered, a housing inspector will call or text the applicant and make an appointment to meet at the damaged dwelling. This communication may come from an unfamiliar phone number, so it’s important to answer the call or text so an appointment can be set.
Applicants must be present for the inspection and be able to prove occupancy and/or ownership for the dwelling by showing a utility bill or a copy of a deed or mortgage with their name on it. The inspector will not take copies of those documents.
A typical home inspection of a residence takes about 45 minutes to complete. After the inspection, applicants should allow 7 to 10 days to hear back from FEMA.

Legitimate FEMA inspectors will present official identification and will never ask for money. If there are concerns about an inspector's legitimacy, contact local law enforcement.

Residents can apply for FEMA assistance by...