Damage Assessment Resources

Damage assessments—one step in a larger federal assistance process— provide a general picture of the impacts of a disaster and inform a request for a Presidential disaster declaration. The Initial Damage Assessment (IDA) is the basis on which all additional disaster assistance is provided. IDAs capture damage information and impacts and require an understanding of FEMA damage assessment criteria and the ability to identify and document relevant disaster impacts.

Damage assessment may be required in various incidents and situations to evaluate the extent of harm, losses, and destruction. Some incidents that may require damage assessment in Eaton County include:

IncidentAssessment
TornadoAssessing destruction to public infrastructure, private infrastructure, homes, businesses, and landscapes. 
Severe Weather (Fog, Hail, Lightning)Assessing destruction to public infrastructure, private infrastructure, homes, businesses, and landscapes.
Severe WindAssessing destruction to public infrastructure, private infrastructure, homes, businesses, and landscapes.
Flooding
Determining damage to properties, roads, and public utilities. 
WildfiresEvaluating the destruction of residential areas. 
High Hazard Flammable Train (HHFT) DerailmentEvaluating damage to train tracks, surrounding areas, and potential spills. 
Dam FailureDetermining the extent of flooding and potential property damage downstream. 


Individual Assistance

Following an incident or situation that necessitates the evaluation of the extent of harm, losses, and destruction to personal property, Eaton County will deploy a self-reporting damage assessment application. This is an opportunity for the public to submit key information, such as type of damage, insurance information (e.g., do you have homeowners or renters' insurance?), contact information, and photos of the damages, to help determine our community impacts. This information can be viewed by the public through the Public Damage Assessment Report Viewer.