With the recent string of devastating tornadoes sweeping through the Midwest – with one recent storm even taking the lives of at least 51 individuals after slamming into an Oklahoma elementary school – Maryland residents are likely remembering the devastation that they felt at the hands of Superstorm Sandy back in October 2012. Millions of dollars of property was damaged during this devastating weather event – especially residents who lived along the coast.

When disaster strikes, the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) steps in to help home and business owners recuperate after the storm. In many cases, those affected by the storm will benefit from some kind of government aid to help foot the bill for repair costs. Before checks are written, however, FEMA will conduct a home inspection on the property to help figure out what repairs they will help to finance.

If disaster strikes again, here are a few things homeowners should expect when FEMA officials come by to conduct a home inspection:

• Generally, it will take roughly 10 days for officials to contact you and schedule an inspection after you reach out for federal aid
• The property you are registering must be a primary residence, so don't expect to see any aid if this is for a vacation house
• Scam artists may pose as officials, so make sure anyone who comes to your home is driving a market vehicle and has proper FEMA identification. 

Before summer officially gets started here along the coast, contact a licensed home inspector to make sure your place is structurally sound should disaster strike.