[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 44, Volume 1]

[Revised as of October 1, 2005]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 44CFR206.33]



[Page 424-425]

 

              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



[[Page 425]]



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 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.