Fed assessment of whether NH gets disaster relief for recent storm now under way

Trees toppled by high winds and soaking rain rest on power lines alongside a driveway in Lebanon, Maine. (Rochester Voice photo)

In an effort to determine the extent of damage from the storm that started Dec. 17, the Department of Safety's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment 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 Gov. 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. "