When Disaster Strikes

Training Programs

When Disaster Strikes – Evaluator training

The WDS Evaluator training instructs qualified individuals on how to perform Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluations. This 7-hour training program is required training for all three levels of evaluators and is offered in-person, virtually, and in a self-paced delivery format. This training:

• Introduces the role of the Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluator
• Teaches participants how to perform building safety evaluations
• Increases awareness of operational environments and hazards
• Introduces training and credentialing requirements
• Provides participants with the opportunity to perform virtual ATC 20/45 Rapid Assessments

Individuals who register for the WDS Evaluator program will receive these publications:

• WDS Field Manual 1419S
• ATC 45
• ATC 20

Additionally, it is recommended that all participants download a copy of FEMA's P-2055, available at no cost here.

When Disaster Strikes – Coordinator training

The WDS Coordinator training extends the Evaluator training by instructing qualified individuals on how to coordinate Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluations and assist municipalities and building officials with post-disaster response and recovery efforts. This 3-hour training program is recommended training for Level I Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluators and is offered in-person or virtually. This training:

• Identifies and outlines the possible roles of the building official in post-disaster environments
• Introduces the role of the Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluation Coordinator
• Introduces the training and credentialing requirements for Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluators
• Increases awareness of operational environments and hazards
• Provides practice examples on directing and evaluating ATC 20/45 Rapid Assessments

Individuals who register for the WDS Coordinator training will receive this publication:

• WDS Field Manual 1419S

Additionally, it is recommended that all participants download a copy of FEMA's P-2055, available at no cost here.

When Disaster Strikes – Refresher training

The WDS Refresher program extends the Evaluator training by refreshing previously trained individuals on how to perform Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluations. This 3-hour training program is required training every three years for maintaining a Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluator certification and is offered in-person or virtually. This training:

• Reviews the role of the Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluator
• Reviews how to perform building safety evaluations
• Reviews awareness of operational environments and hazards
• Provides participants with the opportunity to perform virtual ATC 20/45 Rapid Assessments

Disaster Planning for the Building Department

The Disaster Planning for the Building Department training introduces and focuses on the various phases of a disaster, emergency management, and the post-disaster roles and responsibilities typically assigned to building departments. This 3-hour course is recommended for Code Officials and others engaged with the building department interested in developing a disaster plan and understanding how to identify and request resources to better respond to the needs of their community and jump-start its recovery. This training:

• Identifies and discusses the role of emergency management along with the post-disaster roles and responsibilities typically assigned to building departments
• Increases awareness of Preliminary Damage Assessments and Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluations
• Reviews the process of identifying and requesting resources needed after a disaster and provides a practice example
• Identifies and discusses disaster planning basics for the building department

Individuals who register for the Disaster Planning for the Building Department training will receive this publication:

• WDS Field Manual 1419S

Additionally, it is recommended that all participants download the following:

• FEMA’s Preliminary Damage Assessment Guide, available at no cost here.
• FEMA's P-2055, available at no cost here.
• FEMA’s Comprehensive Preparedness Guide, available at no cost here.

Preliminary Damage Assessments

This course focuses on a key task following a disaster: Preliminary Damage Assessment. This 3-hour session covers when and how to properly perform Preliminary Damage Assessments, and the training and credentialing requirements of the Preliminary Damage Assessor. At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the four phases of a disaster along with Emergency Management basics
• Define the roles and responsibilities of the building department after a disaster
• Determine when and how to perform Preliminary Damage Assessments
• Discuss the training and credentialing requirements of the Preliminary Damage Assessor

It is recommended that all participants download the following:

• FEMA’s Preliminary Damage Assessment Guide, available at no cost here.
• FEMA's P-2055, available at no cost here.
• FEMA’s Comprehensive Preparedness Guide, available at no cost here.

Mutual Aid and Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA)1206

The Mutual Aid and DRRA 1206 course reviews the post-disaster roles and responsibilities of the building department and Emergency Management basics, with a focus on the various forms of mutual aid and how to access them. Participants will learn how to effectively navigate the formal Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) process. This 3-hour course then introduces and discusses DRRA 1206—what it covers, how to access it, and its requirements.

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the post-disaster roles and responsibilities of the building department and Emergency Management basics
• Access the various forms of mutual aid
• Recite the importance of the EMAC system
• Discuss the details of DRRA 1206

It is recommended that all participants download the following:

• FEMA’s Preliminary Damage Assessment Guide, available at no cost here.
• FEMA's P-2055, available at no cost here.
• FEMA’s Comprehensive Preparedness Guide, available at no cost here.

When Disaster Strikes Institute - An Introduction to Training and Resources

This introductory course reviews ICC’s When Disaster Strikes (WDS) Institute and its various training courses, including what each course offers, various delivery options, and accompanying certification opportunities. In this one-hour course, participants will review the post-disaster roles and responsibilities typically assigned to building departments in the wake of disasters; discuss the necessary field materials, reference materials, and information regarding emergency management; and better understand how to access post-disaster financial assistance. Finally, this course concludes by providing a case study.