DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT/RECOVERY

ALEXANDER COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN
Reviewed: Aug. 23, 2011

I.	PURPOSE
	This section presents a system to coordinate damage assessment and reporting functions, estimate the nature and extent of the damage, and provide disaster recovery operations.
II.	SITUATION AND ASSUMPTIONS
	A.	Situation
		1.	Most hazardous events which may affect the County have the potential for causing damage. A planned damage assessment program is essential for effective response and recovery operations.
		2.	An initial damage assessment (IDA) will determine the severity and magnitude of the disaster, and identify what type supplemental assistance is necessary to recover from its effects.
		3.	If a disaster occurs, of such magnitude that it could result in a Presidential declaration of "major disaster" or "emergency", a county-wide initial damage assessment of public and private property is required. This information will provide a basis for the determination of actions needed, the establishment of priorities, the allocation of local government resources in the disaster area during the early stages of the recovery effort, and what if any outside assistance will be required to restore the affected area to pre-disaster condition.
	B.	Assumptions
		1.	The County will continue to be exposed to various hazards resulting in damage to both public and private property.
		2.	Implementing damage assessment procedures will expedite relief and assistance for those adversely affected.
III.	CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
	A.	General
		Initial responsibility for damage assessment and recovery operations lies with local government.
	B.	Specific
		1.	Emergency and recovery operations will initially be coordinated from the County Emergency Operation Center. Accurate emergency logs and expenditure records must be kept from the onset of the disaster by each response agency or organization. (see FEMA Equipment Schedule) (see Damage Assessment Data base)
		2.	Damage assessment/recovery personnel will be assigned to the Planning Section of the EOC organization.
		3.	As appropriate, the Damage Assessment Officer (DAO) will coordinate notification of damage assessment personnel. These personnel will report as directed to conduct the IDA.
		4.	The DAO will organize, equip and assign field teams to affected areas to support the IDA.
		5.	The DAO will coordinate the compilation of damage survey data, prepare damage assessment reports for the Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC), and plot damaged areas on local maps.
		6.	The EMC will review, with other appropriate local officials, the damage assessment reports to determine if any outside assistance will be necessary to recovery from the disaster.
		7.	The EMC will forward damage assessment reports and any request for assistance to the NC Division of Emergency Management, Western Branch Office by the quickest means available. The Secretary of the NC Department of Crime Control and Public Safety is authorized to commit any State resources to assist with the emergency/recovery efforts.
		8.	Based upon the local damage assessment reports, the NCEM Director will determine what recovery capabilities are available to meet the anticipated needs. If the capabilities of the state/local/private resources appear to be insufficient, he may a joint federal/state/local Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) be conducted.
		9.	The Governor may request a Presidential Declaration of a "major disaster", "major emergency", or a specific federal agency disaster declaration (Small Business Administration, Department of Agriculture, Corps of Engineers, etc.) to augment State/local/private disaster relief efforts.
		10.	The President, under a "major emergency" declaration may authorize the utilization of any federal equipment, personnel and other resources.
		11.	The President, under a "major disaster" declaration may additionally authorize two basics types of disaster relief assistance:
			a.	Individual Assistance (IA)
				(1)	Temporary housing (100% federal dollars);
				(2)	Individual and family grants (IFG) (75% federal, 25% State/local funds)
				(3)	Disaster unemployment assistance;
				(4)	Disaster loans to individuals, businesses, and farmers;
				(5)	Agricultural assistance;
				(6)	Legal services to low-income families and individuals;
				(7)	Consumer counseling and assistance in obtaining insurance benefits;
				(8)	Social security assistance;
				(9)	Veteran's assistance;
				(10)	Casualty loss tax assistance.
			b.	Public Assistance (PA) (75% federal, 25% state/applicant funds)
				(1)	Debris removal;
				(2)	Emergency protective measures
				(3)	Permanent work to repair, restore or replace road systems, water control facilities, public buildings and equipment, public utilities, public recreational facilities, etc.
		12.	In the event a major disaster or emergency is declared:
			a.	A federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) will be appointed by the President to coordinate the federal efforts.
			b.	A state Coordinating Officer (SCO) and Governor's Authorized Representative (GAR) will be appointed by the governor to coordinate the state efforts
			c.	A Disaster Field Office (DFO) will be established within the State (central to the damaged areas) from which the disaster assistance programs will be administered.
			d.	For IA only, Disaster Applications Centers (DAC's) will be established central to the affected areas where individuals may apply for assistance.
			e.	If the area is declared eligible for Public Assistance Programs, an Applicant's Briefing will be conducted for officials of the County, Indian tribes, and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations to explain eligibility criteria. The EM Coordinator will be requested to assist with identifying and notifying eligible applicants.
			f.	At the Applicant's Briefing, each eligible entity will submit a Notice of Interest (NOI).
			g.	Each PA applicant will appoint a "Applicant's Agent" to coordinate the collection of documentation and submission of information to the DFO.
IV.	ORGANIZATION AND ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES
	A.	Organization
		1.	The Board of County Commissioners, through the Emergency Management Coordinator, is responsible for the overall organization of damage assessment for the County and Town.
		2.	A Damage Assessment Officer will be appointed by the Emergency Management Coordinator to coordinate damage assessment operations.
		3.	Damage Assessment teams will be selected and trained for damage survey.
		4.	An organizational chart for damage assessment is contained in Appendix 1, Damage Assessment Organizational Structure.
	B.	Responsibilities
		1.	Emergency Management Coordinator
			a.	Appoint a Damage Assessment Officer to coordinate overall damage assessment operations.
			b.	Recruit damage assessment team members.
			c.	Provide damage assessment training on an annual basis.
			d.	Maintain sufficient quantities of needed forms and supplies for damage assessment teams and other departments/agencies assisting with assessment recovery operations.
			e.	Assure agencies and organizations begin maintaining expense records at onset of the emergency.
			f.	Secure resources to support and assist with damage assessment activities. (maps, tax data, cameras, identification, etc.)
			g.	Appoint a Utilities Liaison to coordinate information flow between the EOC and affected utilities.
			h.	Develop and disseminate, as appropriate, public information and education programs relating to disaster recovery. (DAC locations, hours of operation, etc.)
			i.	Assist with securing DAC facilities and equipment.
			j.	Assist with identification and notification of applicants that may be eligible for PA programs
		2.	Damage Assessment Officer (Tax Assessor)
			a.	Develop, review and annually update procedures for damage reporting and accounting.
			b.	Train personnel in damage assessment organization, techniques, and reporting procedures.
			c.	Maintain a current damage assessment team notification/recall roster.
			d.	Report to EOC upon activation and coordinate damage assessment operations in conjunction with the EMC.
			e.	Assign damage assessment field teams and deploy as feasible. Assure each team has communications with EOC.
			f.	Inform emergency operations officials of hazardous facilities, bridges, roads, etc.
			g.	Compile damage reports for appropriate agencies.
			h.	Assist the EMC and other County or municipal agency representatives who are conducting recovery operations in prioritizing repairs and restoration of affected facilities.
			i.	Identify and maintain a list of critical facilities (public buildings, streets, bridges, etc.) requiring priority repairs.
			j.	Collect and compile incoming damage reports from teams in the field to include County and private agencies such as ARC, school systems, utility companies.
			k.	Ensure that response agencies initiate documentation of all cost incurred subsequent to the emergency /disaster.
			l	Document all emergency work performed by local resources, including appropriate photographs.
			m.	Provide for submission of accurate, detailed and timely Initial Damage Assessment Reports to the EM Coordinator.
			n.	Collate and consolidate all expenditures and damage assessment information for transmittal to the NCEM, Western Branch Office.
		3.	Damage Assessment Field Team Members
			a.	Assist the Damage Assessment Officer and EMC in maintaining readiness by checking equipment and supplies, attending training sessions and reporting any changes to personnel rosters
			b.	Upon official notification, report to the EOC for assignment as soon as conditions permit.
			c.	Survey assigned locations record damage on damage assessment worksheet (s) and transmit general damage assessment information to the EOC as directed by the DAO.
			d.	Immediately report to the EOC any situations posing an immediate threat to public safety (downed power lines, weakened bridges, etc.)
			e.	Return to the EOC when directed and provide damage assessment worksheet(s)
		4.	Finance Officer
			a.	Establish and maintain a separate account of disaster-related expenditures and expenses
			b.	Submit Daily Activity Reports (Materials and Labor/Equipment) to the DAO as requested.
			c.	Receive, collate, and submit information from PA eligible agencies/organizations to DAO.
		5.	EDC Director (Economic Development Commission Director)
			a.	Upon notification, report to the EOC as soon as conditions permit.
			b.	Survey non-agricultural businesses to identify facility damage and/or economic impact.
			c.	Provide damage information to DAO as received for assignment to field teams.
		6.	Cooperative Extension Agent
			Although not a County Agency, the Extension Service will be requested to assist in the damage assessment process due to its access to the agricultural community.
			a.	Survey farms and other agri-businesses to identify facility damage and other economic impact.
			b.	Provide information as received to DAO for assignment to field teams.
		7.	Planning Director
			a.	Upon notification, report back to EOC as soon as conditions permit.
			b.	Serve as technical advisor to DAO, consulting on building values, repair estimates, etc.
		8.	Utilities Liaison
			a.	Provide information about locations of power, water, telephone facilities and lines.
			b.	Provide information about damage to utilities, facilities and power lines.
V.	DIRECTION AND CONTROL
	A.	Local officials, in conjunction with the Emergency Management Coordinator, will direct and control recovery activities from the EOC.
	B.	The Damage Assessment Officer is a member of the EOC staff and is responsible for the coordination of damage assessment.
	C.	All County departments will provide personnel and resources to support the damage assessment/recovery effort, as requested. Personnel from operating departments assigned to damage assessment responsibilities will remain under the control of their own departments, but will function under the technical supervision of the Damage Assessment Officer.
VI.	CONTINUITY OF GOVERNMENT
	A.	The line of succession is:
		1.	Tax Assessor
		2.	Senior Building Inspector.
		3.	Other Inspectors by Seniority.
	B.	Lines of succession for agencies supporting damage assessment are in accordance with each agency's established procedure.
VII.	ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS
	A.	Damage reporting forms guidance will be made available for distribution when necessary. Copies of all documentation are retained for record purposes.
	B.	Survey teams for damage assessment will consist primarily of local government employees. When necessary, nonprofit organizations and non-government personnel will supplement the teams. Radiological and/or hazardous materials specialists will be added to teams when need arises.
VIII.	PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE
	The EM Coordinator and Damage Assessment Officer will develop this Recovery/Damage Assessment Annex and maintain it on an annual basis.
IX.	AUTHORITIES AND REFERENCES
	A.	Authorities
		1.	N.C. General Statutes, 166-A.
		2.	Alexander County Emergency Management Ordinances.
		3.	PL 93-288, as amended.
	B.	References
		1.	Handbook for Applicants Pursuant to P.L. 93-288, DR & R1 FEMA, 3-81.
		2.	Digest of Federal Disaster Assistance Programs: DR & R21, FEMA, June 1985.
		3.	Federal Disaster Assistance Program, DR & R 18, Jan. 1987.
		4.	Disaster Recovery Manual, NCEM, May 1989.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT	UTILITIES LIAISON
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT TEAMS - PUBLIC	DAMAGE ASSESSMENT TEAMS - PRIVATE
GOVERNMENT ENTITIES	DAMAGE ASSESSMENT TEAMS - AGRICULTURE
PRIVATE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

There are two primary methods for recording damage assessment information: 1) Using pre-printed forms, and/or 2) using a computer database entry form (see Appendix 3). Pre-printed forms and instructions for completing the various forms are available from Alexander County Emergency Management or the Damage Assessment Officer (DAO). Pre-printed forms and instructions are available for:
1.	Residential damage assessment
2.	Business damage assessment
3.	Public (governmental and private non-profit entities) damage assessment

Using damage assessment forms contained in the data base allows the person using the database several options.
1.	Obtaining the most current damage total for each category.
2.	Entering data (or information)
3.	Editing data (or information)
4.	Searching data (or information)
To use the database forms click here and select the appropriate area (Damage Assessment - Residential) (Damage Assessment - Business) (Damage Assessment - Public)
To obtain instructions on entering data into the database click here.