Inspectors Visit Damaged Homes With Residents

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Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — On Thursday, inspectors with FEMA visited several homes to evaluate the damage to homes left by the floods. “You see this on TV all the time and you never expect it to be here,” said Kimberly Sonnenfeld. Sonnenfeld was living with a friend on Glenhaven Road when the historic floods swept through the home roughly three weeks ago. “It was horrible, you start thinking ‘What do I have?'” explained Sonnenfeld. Alongside an inspector, Sonnenfeld walked through the completely gutted house to show him the damage first hand so FEMA can determine what kind of assistance she may qualify for. “Everybody’s case is different and it’s on an individual basis,” explained FEMA official Ken Higginbothem. Higginbothem said inspectors are mainly looking for damaged items people need to sustain life in their home, such as a water heater. Once the damages are documented then FEMA is able to determine eligibility. “We as the federal government are not here to make people whole again, we’re here to get people back on the road to recovery,” said Higginbothem. FEMA is still encouraging residents to apply. For more information visit disasterassistance.gov or call 803-621-3362.