Rebuilding Communities and Businesses After Disasters Series
The first step in rebuilding a community or business after a disaster is conducting a thorough damage assessment. This process helps identify critical needs and allocate resources effectively. A clear understanding of the damage allows communities to prioritize actions and allocate resources efficiently.

Key Steps for Damage Assessment
Assemble an Assessment Team: Include local leaders, business owners, and disaster recovery experts. For example, after Hurricane Sandy, New York City established a Rapid Repairs program that utilized local contractors and engineers to assess and address structural damage quickly.
Use Technology for Documentation: Drones and mobile apps can capture damage efficiently. After the 2017 Mexico City earthquake, drones were used to survey inaccessible areas and map damage in real time, speeding up recovery planning.
Categorize Damage: Prioritize immediate threats to safety, infrastructure, and essential services. For example, Puerto Rico focused on restoring power to hospitals and water systems first after Hurricane Maria.
Case Study: California Wildfires
During the 2018 Camp Fire in California, local authorities partnered with tech companies to deploy AI and drone technology for damage assessment. This approach reduced the time required for initial evaluations from weeks to just days, enabling faster allocation of resources and quicker restoration of critical infrastructure.
Data to Consider
According to Ready.gov, communities that conduct detailed assessments within the first 72 hours recover 30% faster. A well-structured assessment can save weeks of delays in rebuilding efforts.