Types of PDA’s

There are several different types of preliminary damage assessments (PDA), so it helps to clarify the various types to be clear when referencing them. Each serves a specific purpose, which drives different programs and funding within the government.

Individual Assistance (IA) PDA - This type of damage assessment is a house by house assessment, carried out to determine the level of damage to primary residential structures. This does not include commercial structures, outbuildings, garages, and non-primary residence. More information can be found at FEMA's website. IA damage assessments or commonly referred to as Preliminary Damage Assessments will be the focus of this guidebook.

Public Assistance (PA) PDA - This type of assessment is historically a joint assessment used to determine the magnitude and impact to community utilities and public resources. A FEMA public assistance PDA refers to certain categories of work; Debris Removal (Cat A), Emergency Protective Measures (Cat B), Roads and Bridges (Cat C), Water Control Facilities (D), Buildings and Equipment (E), Utilities (F), Parks, Recreational, and Other (G).

A FEMA/State team will usually visit local applicants and view their damage first-hand to assess the scope of damage and estimate repair costs. The State uses the results of the PDA to determine if the situation is beyond the combined capabilities of the State and local resources and to verify the need for supplemental Federal assistance. The PDA also identifies any unmet needs that may require immediate attention.

Public Assistance damage assessments, while important and can use some innovation, will not be focused on in this guidebook.

National Weather Service (NWS) Post-Event Damage Assessment - This type of damage assessment is carried out when the event is wind related. The NWS is tasked with determining the EF scale of a wind event. The NWS operates 122 Weather Forecast Offices in six regions, and when a wind event occurs the closest forecast office will send out personnel to conduct an EF assessment. The NWS updates a real time website with this information, called the Damage Survey Viewer.