Damage Assessment Reporting Procedures

DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY
DIVISION OF STATE POLICE

EMERGENCY MANAGMENT SECTION
POST OFFICE BOX 7086
WEST TRENTON NEW JERSEY 08628

DIRECTIVE NO. 84

SUBJECT: Damage Assessment Reporting Procedures

Damage assessment is the systematic process of gathering preliminary estimates in dollars and general descriptions of the locale, type, and severity of damage sustained by both the public and private sectors in an emergency or disaster. It is the basis for determining the need for State and Federal assistance, and the types of assistance necessary for recovery from the effects of the occurrence.

The attached Preliminary Damage Assessment Report (PDAR) serves two purposes. First, it provides reliable damage estimates which are used as a basis in applying for assistance, and where justified, the Governor’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration. Second, it provides for the effective implementation of State and Federal disaster relief programs, should a Declaration be made.

PDAR’s shall be compiled by the Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator and forwarded to the County Emergency Management Coordinator no later than 24-hours after a disaster. A final detailed version should also be prepared and forwarded within 72-hours. Both submissions are to be forwarded by the County Office of Emergency Management to the State Office of Emergency Management as soon as received. The final PDAR must accurately reflect the magnitude of damage as it may eventually be incorporated on a State-wide PDAR.

In situations where is it impossible to prepare and submit the PDAR within the specified time frame (flood waters still present for example), the Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator should inform the County so the State Office of Emergency Management can be notified not to exclude their respective Report when making submissions to FEMA.

For procedures on all phases of disaster reimbursement, refer to the Disaster Operations Field Manual, which has been circulated by the State OEM to all County and Municipal Emergency Management Coordinators.

Directive No. 84 dated February 1, 1979 is hereby revised.

Clinton L. Pagano
State Director
Office of Emergency Management

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