UPDATE 7/29/10 @ 1:12 p.m.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WSAZ) -- Inspectors contracted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have begun contacting Pike County residents who have applied for federal disaster assistance following the mid-July storms and flooding.

"These inspectors are setting up appointments to meet residents at flood-damaged properties, so it is important you give FEMA a current telephone number," Kentucky Division of Emergency Management Director John Heltzel said. "We know many residents have been living in temporary locations and it's crucial that they have a way to contact you."

Once inspectors arrive, they will have approved FEMA badges that include the inspector's name and photo, and the name of the company under contract with FEMA. They will ask for identification to verify your name and address and registration with FEMA.

Inspectors will not ask for a Social Security number nor ask to be paid for the inspection. The FEMA inspection is free, so beware of fraudulent individuals attempting to charge for an inspection.

"The inspector does not determine whether someone is eligible for assistance, or the amount of a FEMA grant the individual may receive," said Federal Coordinating Officer Doug Mayne.

The inspection may take about 30 minutes, during which the inspector will assess disaster-related damage for both real and personal property and may take photos of the interior and exterior of the damaged dwelling. The inspector enters damage-related information into a hand-held computer and sends that data to FEMA.

Since July 23 when President Obama declared the Kentucky disaster authorizing assistance in Pike County, more than 1,000 households have registered for disaster assistance.

Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers are located adjacent to the Community Trust Bank in Marrowbone, and the Community Funeral Home in Pikeville.

They will be staffed by Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), personnel from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

“We want people affected by the flooding to apply for disaster assistance and get the information they need to begin their recovery,” Kentucky Division of Emergency Management Director,John Heltzel said.

President Obama’s major disaster declaration on July 23 authorized help for individuals in Pike County affected by the recent severe storm, flooding and mudslides.

At the centers, disaster recovery specialists can check an individual’s application status, answer questions, or review information needed to process their application. Recovery specialists also can supply contacts for other state, federal and voluntary agency programs that may be able to help

Individuals are encouraged to register on line at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Applicants with hearing or speech disabilities can call TTY 800-462-7585.