This is the FEMA Substantial Damage Estimator Training Series.
Welcome to Module 8 - Field Inspections.
When parking at a structure
avoid obstructing the driveway if possible.
Before exiting the vehicle
make sure you are wearing the required PPE
including a safety vest
and be sure that your badge is visible.
Knock on the door and wait for the homeowner to answer.
If the homeowner is home
introduce yourselves including your title
and briefly explain the purpose of your visit.
Offer a letter of introduction if one is available.
Make sure the homeowner understands that you are only collecting data
and not estimating a final damage percentage.
Ask the homeowner what damages were incurred.
Look for visible evidence to support the homeowner’s claims
and ask them to show you any visible
evidence that still remains
such as a high watermark
moisture damage or structural damage.
Record what you observe
and try to avoid lengthy conversations with the homeowners.
If the homeowner is not home
do not enter the structure.
Perform the assessment from the exterior
recording any visible damages observed.
When taking photos of the structure
include as much of the structure as possible.
The structure should be easily identified from the photos.
Each photo should contain a whiteboard with the following information
address that matches the structure in the photos
the current date and team or inspector’s name.
Make sure the text is legible in all photos
and that the whiteboard is not obstructing anything in the photos.
Capture any unique damages you observe
especially if they are not consistent with damages
incurred by adjacent structures.
If flood damage occurred
the most important observation to record is the high water mark.
Often these assessments are carried out
months after a large-scale flood event,
and high water marks may not be visible.
Be sure to check auxiliary structures and fences.
These often aren’t cleaned post-flood
and may still have a visible high water mark or seed line.
Screen doors, A/C compressors, window screens
and door jambs often have visible high water marks
when the exterior of the home may not.
A few useful tips for inspecting a flooded structure include
A structure’s electric system typically does not receive damage
if flooding is less than 18 inches above the finished first floor.
Roof, superstructure and foundation damage
is determined by visible damage.
The elements could be completely submerged and sustain no damage.
The final damage percentage for the structure
should seem reasonable.
Discuss this value with your partner
but not within listening range of any
of the homeowners or neighbors.
If the final damage percentage falls within the 40-60% range
double-check your values and discuss with your partner.
In order to minimize data collection errors and ensure quality
be sure to complete the assessment before leaving the structure.
Make sure the address on the whiteboard in the photo
matches the address on the structure
as well as the address in the SDE record.
If you believe the assessment is complete and click Save
the SDE Tool should not display any yellow or red errors.
If it does address these so the assessment is valid and complete.
Once your assessment is complete
thank the homeowner for their time and continue to the next structure.
Thanks for watching.
This module is one of a ten-part series.
Please continue to Module 9.