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Apri115,1992 ColoradoDamageAssessmentHandbook the resources needed and dispatched to combat the effects of the disaster. The nature and magnitude of a disaster will determine how soon a complete damage assessment can be conducted. Widespread debris, washed out bridges and inundated, buildings or utility systems are just a few of the problems that could delay the assessment process. However, as these conditions are alleviated, it is impor- tant to perform damage assessment in a rapid and efficient manner. hopefully within a few days of the disaster. Windshield Survey Immediately after the occurrence of the disaster it is very important to get a quick idea of the extent and magnitude of the damage. A general picture will begin to form as emergency response units move throughout the area reacting to calls for assistance. The first true damage assessment occurs with a windshield survey. This involves driving, walking or flying over the most severely affected area(s) in an attempt to detennine the overall impact upon life and property. Information gathered on the scene by ac- tual observations result in the most effec- tive and reliable assessments. Sources for damage and impact estimates may be numerous - but each may have a different perspective. Damage assessors who per- sonally observe the impact with specific management objectives produce the most reliable and pertinent information. Numbers and dollar figures alone do not always describe the IMPACT of the situa- tion. Numbers and dollars are necessary data, but without a narrative description of lthl~ actual impact, they may be of limited value to the decision maker. 'TIle Windshield Survey Assessment will provide local officials with suffIcient infor- mation to detennine whether local resour- I;es can cope with the problem or if addi- tional assistance is necessary. The informa- tion usually provides the basis for the ini- tial disaster situation report (see Appendix A.,PageA-3). :Local Government Initial :Briefing The most effective way to start the damage assessment process is for local government officials to schedule a meeting to deter- mine a unified course of action. The offi- cials may request additional personnel to be present, such as: County and State Of- fice of Emergency Management (OEM) representatives, City Enginel:rs, etc. The following items should be covered at this Im:eting: A briefing on the extent and mag- nitude of the damage. lbe need for requesting outside assis- tance, the nature of such assistance and implications of accepting the aid. Specifying geographic areas and categories of damage to be ,:xamined. Appointment of a Damage Assessment Coordinator who will coordinate and damage assessment teams and corre- late data collected, llocal Government Damage Assessment Coordinator The importance of appointment of the Damage Assessment Coordinator cannot Three