Disaster Response

Disaster Response

Damage Assessments

HGA provides substantial damage determinations through inspections, using proven methods and tools that meet National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements, such as FEMA’s Substantial Damage Estimator (SDE) tool. We understand the importance of enforcing substantial damage requirements with a consistent methodology applied to each assessment. We also understand the importance of accuracy and the impact that determinations have on the permitting and recovery processes. HGA’s inspection staff is composed primarily of seasoned insurance adjusters who are well trained to thoroughly document and determine the cause and origin of damage to verify tieback to a specific disaster event or storm. These inspectors are assisted by HGA’s data management staff who develop GIS data to analyze, map, and manage disaster-impacted areas. Our team also leverages fixed-wing, manned Cessna single-engine aircraft to take aerial images of damage and small-scale unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to take three-dimensional renderings of actual imagery both inside and outside of damaged facilities. This information supports better decision-making before, during, and after a disaster.

Survivor & Responder Base Camps

HGA staff has experience with shelter management for base camps established to aid responders and survivors of natural disasters. Our assigned personnel have provided services that include identifying lodging locations, providing 24-hour staffing, working with site security, conducting safety inspections, tracking the status of responders and/or survivors staying at the shelter, issuing reports, and delivering overall base camp management. Following Hurricane Ida, HGA provided management of two base camps for responders and provided staffing to base camps for over 650 survivors in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes within one week of notification. We hired and trained over 30 personnel to provide 24/7 staffing for site management and case management services that included assigning lodging, helping survivors with applications for FEMA assistance and with the search for more permanent housing, and managing meals for 1,300 residents in the camp and surrounding community. HGA also provided base camp management in Lee County, Florida, following Hurricane Ian, where we supervised the shelter’s nightly operations and all subcontractors, including facilities, catering, security, law enforcement, fire, safety, janitorial, and medical staff.
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