Kansas Requests Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments for Storm-Stricken Counties

As a result of a severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, torrential rainfall, and flooding during the period of Sept. 8-10, the Kansas Division of Emergency Management has sent a letter to FEMA requesting joint Public Assistance Program Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDA) to assess damages. The assessment teams will consist of staff from FEMA Region VII and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management.

Counties that were impacted by these storms include: Ellsworth, Lincoln, Ottawa, Reno and Saline.

The PDA teams will assess damage to public infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and utilities, to determine if those counties meet federal damage thresholds to qualify for federal disaster assistance.

The Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) process is a crucial step in evaluating disaster-related damage within affected communities. The main goal of this process is to gather information that helps FEMA determine whether a disaster declaration should be recommended to the president. Ultimately, it is the president's decision to determine whether to declare a major presidential disaster declaration.

Additionally, the PDA process can contribute to shaping long-term recovery strategies, ensuring that affected communities receive the resources they need to rebuild and recover efficiently.