In an effort to determine the extent of damages from the storm that started December 17, the Department of Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM), on behalf of Governor Chris Sununu, requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) in New Hampshire.

These joint damage assessments will document damage to communities to support a request for a federal disaster declaration and federal assistance.

On Thursday, HSEM had nine teams visiting communities to assess initial damage estimates.

“This week, I have witnessed dedicated state employees and local officials work tirelessly to keep residents safe. Today I traveled to Crawford Notch to see the damage first-hand,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “The request for a joint PDA is an important next step to determine whether communities can receive federal assistance.”

PDA teams consist of officials from FEMA, HSEM and local emergency managers. The teams jointly document damage to determine the resources needed to help recover from a disaster.

“The assessments are a critical component of making a request for federal relief funds,” said HSEM Director Robert Buxton. “We have been in contact with communities throughout the state to determine whether we will meet the state threshold of $2.53 million in damages, and we would like to thank those communities for participating in the process. ”