G0557: Rapid Needs Assessment

This course provides information and resources that will enable participants to plan an effective Damage Assessment Program and conduct rapid and effective damage assessments in order to save lives, protect property and the environment, and begin the process of recovery and mitigation.

Selection Criteria: Local officials who are responsible for assessing, collecting, and reporting damages during and after any event that causes damage of private, public, and critical infrastructure.

Course Objectives

• Describe the need and purpose of a Rapid Needs Assessment.
• Describe the starting point for planning for a Rapid Needs Assessment.
• Describe the process for staffing a Rapid Needs Assessment.
• Describe the basic tools required to support the Rapid Needs Assessment process.
• Describe the importance of planning data collection.
• Describe the importance of redundant data transmission systems and means.
• Describe the importance of analyzing and reviewing data.
• Describe additional data sources available to support analysis.
• Describe the training requirements for the Rapid Needs Assessment Program.
• Describe how Rapid Needs Assessment plans and actions can be exercised in the community.

Mission Areas

• Respond
• Recover
• Mitigation