Damage Assessments are Conducted in Order to
- Guide Leon County response efforts;
- Determine the severity and magnitude of the event;
- Quantify the damage to homes and businesses impacted by the disaster;
- Assess the need for federal assistance and estimate disaster impact to businesses, individuals and families; and
- Determine whether local resources will be sufficient to effectively respond and recover from the incident.
Initial Damage Assessment Teams
Immediately following a disaster, an Initial Damage Assessment (IDA) is conducted to determine approximately the amount of damages caused to the County.
As part of this team you will be assigned a County phone that has access to the Leon County Initial Damage Assessment Application (IDA App). This application leverages the latest in GIS technology by extending the Field Map application.
Most questions regarding the IDA App can be found in the troubleshooting section of this website.
If you are notified by your jurisdiction's lead to report for IDA duty, come to the Leon County - Tallahassee Public Safety Complex at 911 Easterwood Drive. Enter through the Weems Road entrance and park in the public parking area. Enter the Public Safety Complex building through the main security entrance and let security know you are reporting for Damage Assessment. You will be directed to the Damage Assessment Deployment Area.
You will be working outdoors in areas where debris is likely still present on the ground. Wear clothing that will provide some level of protection and identify you as a public servant.
- Lightweight cotton team shirt
- Long Pants
- Waterproof, over-the-ankle boots
- Hat
- Vest provided by Emergency Management
- Sunscreen
- Hand Sanitizer
- Drinking Water
- Cell Phone
- Rain Jacket
- Bug Spray
- Respiratory Protection
Your safety is a priority! Use good judgement and do not take unnecessary risks.
Areas to Avoid
- Downed Power Lines
- Downed Trees with Powerlines
- Flooded Streets
- Washed Out Roads
- Posted Properties
During your time in the field, you may encounter residents who are angry or upset. You may also encounter domesticated animals that are loose. If at any time you deem your surroundings to be dangerous due to a threat from persons or aggressive animals, stay in the vehicle and leave the area immediately. If you are unable to leave the area dial 911. If you are able to leave the area, once you are in a safe location, call the Consolidated Dispatch Agency's non-emergency number: 850.606.5800 and report your situation.
During your time in the field, you will be interacting with the residents regularly. It is important to note that they are a member of your community and that they are probably having a really rough day. They may display the full breadth of emotions. Treat them with patience and respect but remember that you have more assessments to complete.