[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 44, Volume 1]
[Revised as of October 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 44CFR206.33]

[Page 422-423]
 
              TITLE 44--EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND ASSISTANCE
 
 CHAPTER I--FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND 
                                SECURITY
 
PART 206--FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR DISASTERS DECLARED ON OR AFTER 
NOVEMBER 23, 1988--Table of Contents
 
                   Subpart B--The Declaration Process
 
Sec. 206.33  Preliminary damage assessment.

    The preliminary damage assessment (PDA) process is a mechanism used 
to determine the impact and magnitude of damage and the resulting unmet 
needs of individuals, businesses, the public sector, and the community 
as a whole. Informtion collected is used by the State as a basis for the 
Governor's request, and by FEMA to document the recommendation made to 
the President in response to the Governor's request. It is in the best 
interest of all parties to combine State and Federal personnel resources 
by performing a joint PDA prior to the initiation of a Governor's 
request, as follows.
    (a) Preassessment by the State. When an incident occurs, or is 
imminent, which the State official responsible for disaster operations 
determines may be beyond the State and local government capabilities to 
respond, the State will request the Regional Director to perform a joint 
FEMA-State preliminary damage assessment. It is not anticipated that all 
occurrences will result in the requirement for assistance; therefore, 
the State will be expected to verify their initial information, in some 
manner, before requesting this support.
    (b) Damage assessment teams. Damage assessment teams will be 
composed of at least one representative of the Federal Government and 
one representative of the State. A local government representative, 
familiar with the extent and location of damage in his/her community, 
should also be included, if

[[Page 423]]

possible. Other State and Federal agencies, and voluntary relief 
organizations may also be asked to participate, as needed. It is the 
State's responsibility to coordinate State and local participation in 
the PDA and to ensure that the participants receive timely notification 
concerning the schedule. A FEMA official will brief team members on 
damage criteria, the kind of information to be collected for the 
particular incident, and reporting requirements.
    (c) Review of findings. At the close of the PDA, FEMA will consult 
with State officials to discuss findings and reconcile any differences.
    (d) Exceptions. The requirement for a joint PDA may be waived for 
those incidents of unusual severity and magnitude that do not require 
field damage assessments to determine the need for supplemental Federal 
assistance under the Act, or in such other instances determined by the 
Regional Director upon consultation with the State. It may be necessary, 
however, to conduct an assessment to determine unmet needs for 
managerial response purposes.