The information collected by damage assessment response teams is used for many purposes. Immediately following an event, data provides essential information for decision-makers, which is used for setting response priorities and determining the need for staging areas (e.g., close to the damaged areas).

Damage assessment informs decision makers about repair and restoration needs for critical infrastructure and key resources, as well as impacts to response capabilities. This early information also provides needed data about the socio-economic needs of the community as far as housing, social services, and the like. Information about collection/disposal needs and debris estimates help you allocate resources and helps determine other planning priorities such as landfill life and debris disposal options.

All of this information feeds into the Preliminary Damage Assessment and is ultimately required as a part of the Presidential Disaster Declaration Process. It helps determine if your community has surpassed damage thresholds; is overwhelmed and is in need of additional resources; and the level of aid that may be needed – whether State, Federal, mutual aid, or contract resources.

From a more long-term perspective, the data can be used to determine areas of the damage assessment program that may be in need of improvement. In addition, the information can be used to help identify mitigation planning opportunities in your community, and it feeds into the Post Disaster Redevelopment Plan.