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Hurricane Helene has left significant damage across many counties in North Carolina, leading to FEMA disaster declarations and making residents eligible for FEMA aid.
Part of the aid process involves a FEMA Disaster Inspection, which verifies the extent of damage and the needs of the affected residents. Licensed real estate professionals are uniquely positioned to fill these roles due to their expertise in property evaluations and familiarity with the local housing market.
Why Real Estate Professionals Are Ideal Candidates for FEMA Inspections
Real estate agents and brokers have skills that align well with the requirements of FEMA disaster inspections, such as:
Property Knowledge: Understanding of residential structures, the ability to assess damages, and familiarity with building components make real estate professionals ideal for accurate damage assessments.
Client Interaction: Real estate professionals are skilled in communicating complex information to clients, a crucial aspect when explaining the FEMA process and answering questions from disaster survivors.
Local Market Insights: Knowledge of local communities and neighborhoods allows real estate professionals to navigate affected areas effectively, enabling a more efficient inspection process.
How to Become a FEMA Disaster Inspector
FEMA contracts with two primary companies for disaster inspections: Vanguard Inspection Services (VIS) and WSP USA Inspection Services. Here's a breakdown of the opportunities and responsibilities with each company:
Vanguard Inspection Services
VIS engages independent contractors as Disaster Housing Inspectors, who may be deployed to disaster sites when declarations are issued. Notably, Vanguard does not specify any education requirements for inspectors, making this role accessible to a broader range of candidates. Inspectors perform tasks such as:
Verifying home ownership and occupancy
Recording interior and exterior damages
Using provided tools and equipment to conduct assessments
VIS inspectors are paid per inspection, with rates ranging from $39 to $50, depending on experience. Additionally, they are reimbursed for allowable expenses like travel and lodging. This role allows inspectors to work up to seven days a week during deployments, offering a flexible yet demanding schedule.
More Information: Vanguard HIS Recruitment
WSP USA Inspection Services
WSP USA also hires FEMA inspectors for disaster declarations across a wide range of events, including hurricanes, floods, and fires. While WSP does not have strict education requirements, it does state that a high school diploma or GED is preferred. This preference may be a consideration for those looking to apply. Key responsibilities include:
Meeting with disaster survivors to assess damages and verify required information (ownership, residency, etc.)
Conducting damage evaluations according to FEMA guidelines
Submitting inspections and reports promptly to ensure timely aid distribution
WSP offers an hourly pay structure of $32.56 for regular hours and $48.84 for overtime, with additional health and welfare benefits. Inspectors should be prepared for travel, long hours, and the challenges of working in disaster-affected areas.
Can WSP provide an example of how much I could make if I really apply myself? If you work 70 hours in a week, and average 10 completed damage assessments a day during that same period, your combined wage plus incentive would be over $3,100 for that week! (Note: Depending on the volume of work available, it is not uncommon for some of our top performing inspectors to earn considerably more each week.)
Quote from WSP Inspector FAQ Page
More Information: WSP USA Inspector Info
How Real Estate Professionals Can Get Started
Step 1: Visit the Vanguard or WSP recruitment websites to review detailed requirements.
Step 2: Complete any pre-employment assessments, which may include evaluations of residential construction knowledge.
Step 3: Prepare necessary tools, such as measuring devices and safety equipment, and ensure financial readiness for field deployments.
Step 4: Maintain availability and complete required training to be ready for deployment when disasters strike.
In the aftermath of disasters like Hurricane Helene, the need for timely and accurate damage assessments is critical to helping affected communities recover. Licensed real estate professionals have the skills and local knowledge that make them well-suited for these roles. By stepping up as FEMA Disaster Inspectors, they can play a pivotal role in the recovery process while expanding their professional skill set and contributing to their community in a time of need.
Have you ever done disaster inspections for FEMA? Let us know about your experience in the comments, or share with a colleague in an upcoming CE Class!
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