For Immediate Release
MADISON, Wis. – Last week marked the initiation of joint preliminary damage assessments (JPDAs) by federal, state, and local officials in the wake of severe storms and flooding that swept across Wisconsin in April. This coordinated evaluation is crucial for verifying the initial damage reports from counties and determining the eligibility for federal aid.
“Our priority is to work collaboratively across all levels of government to determine if our state qualifies for federal assistance,” said Gov. Evers. “These Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments help us understand the full scope of devastation to communities across Wisconsin. We are committed to securing every potential resource to ensure help reaches the people who need it most as quickly as possible.”
The assessments are being conducted for both Individual Assistance and Public Assistance, covering counties, a tribal nation, and state agencies affected between April 13-23. While the JPDA for Individual Assistance commenced last week, Public Assistance evaluations are set to begin next week.
JPDA for Individual Assistance
The focus of the JPDA for Individual Assistance is on assessing the impact on homes and residents. This involves reviewing property details, photographing damage, and evaluating the effects on residents.
Counties under review for Individual Assistance include:
- Bayfield
- Brown
- Buffalo
- Clark
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Juneau
- Kenosha
- Manitowoc
- Marathon
- Milwaukee
- Oconto
- Outagamie
- Racine
- Rock
- Sauk
- Vernon
- Walworth
- Washington
- Waukesha
- Waupaca
- Winnebago
JPDA for Public Assistance
The JPDA for Public Assistance examines the impacts on public infrastructure from the storms, tornadoes, or flooding. This includes costs for debris removal, damage to roads or bridges, repairs to public parks, and certain nonprofit organizations.
Counties being evaluated for Public Assistance are:
- Bayfield
- Brown
- Clark
- Door
- Iowa
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Juneau
- Kenosha
- Kewaunee
- Manitowoc
- Marathon
- Oconto
- Outagamie
- Racine
- Rock
- Sauk
- Vernon
- Waupaca
The Oneida Nation has also reported damage, which is being assessed for both Individual Assistance and Public Assistance.
How the Process Works
The process starts with a FEMA desk review of data collected during initial assessments in affected counties. This step helps reduce the necessity for on-site visits and emphasizes areas requiring more detailed evaluation.
JPDAs don’t inspect every damaged home; instead, they use sampling to create an accurate overview of the impacts.
Once completed, the state will decide whether to request a federal disaster declaration based on the findings. Wisconsin has until May 23 to submit a declaration request. More details on the federal declaration process can be found on FEMA’s website: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/how-declared.
What Homeowners Need to Know
During field assessments, your presence is not required, and your eligibility for assistance will not be affected by your presence during a PDA site visit.
- Team members will have photo identification and will be clearly identified.
- Teams will not enter your home.
- PDA teams do not use contractors or request any payment.
- Multiple teams will be working in the affected areas.
- Please secure pets indoors if a team is working outside your home.
Residents are encouraged to contact their insurance agents regarding coverage for any damage. Additionally, if you have not yet done so, report any damage from the April storms or flooding to 211 Wisconsin by calling 2-1-1 or visiting the 211 Wisconsin Damage Report site: https://211wisconsin.communityos.org/damage-report/.
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