FEMA Calls May Come from Unfamiliar Phone Numbers

BATON ROUGE, La. - After Louisiana residents apply for disaster assistance, FEMA may call to schedule an inspection of the damaged home or to obtain more information to process the application. These calls may come from unfamiliar area codes or phone numbers.

It is important to answer the call. A FEMA inspection may be required to determine whether a home is safe, sanitary, functional and accessible. If an inspection cannot be scheduled, that may cause a delay in FEMA's review of the application.

FEMA specialists may call to obtain more information to process an application, or they may contact applicants who started an application and did not complete it. The specialists will already have the applicant's nine-digit FEMA registration number and will not ask you for it.

Here are quick ways to apply for FEMA assistance: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices. You may also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., seven days a week, and specialists speak many languages. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6.