Degrees of Damage

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Questions and Answers

What should CERT volunteers do if they are unsure about the condition of a building?

Assume light damage

Wait for further instructions

Enter the building to assess the damage

Always use the more cautious assessment (correct)

What should CERT volunteers assume if they are unsure about whether damage to a building is moderate or heavy?

Moderate damage

Light damage

Heavy damage (correct)

No damage

What kind of damage includes superficial cracks or breaks in the wall surface and minor damage to the interior contents?

Heavy damage

Light damage (correct)

Moderate damage

Severe damage

What is a sign of moderate damage according to CERT guidelines?

Many visible cracks or breaks in the wall surfaces Signup and view all the answers

What type of damage includes partial or total collapse, tilting, and obvious structural instability?

Heavy damage Signup and view all the answers

What type of damage includes rising or moving water and gas leaks/hazardous materials inside?

Heavy damage Signup and view all the answers

What should CERT volunteers do if they encounter a building with visible signs of damage and major damage to interior contents?

Assume heavy damage Signup and view all the answers

What should CERT volunteers do if they encounter a building with decorative work damage or fallen and many visible cracks or breaks in the wall surfaces?

Assume moderate damage Signup and view all the answers

What should CERT volunteers assume if they encounter a building with superficial damage and broken windows?

Light damage Signup and view all the answers

What should rescuers do if a damaged building is 'groaning'?

Evacuate the area immediately Signup and view all the answers

How can volunteers describe different locations within and around a structure?

Using the ABCD standard Signup and view all the answers

What type of damage is probable for a wood frame single-family dwelling (home) due to an earthquake?

Masonry chimney collapse Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for CERT volunteers to consider what could happen in addition to what will probably happen?

To be prepared for unexpected events Signup and view all the answers

What should CERT volunteers do to reduce risks associated with the probabilities they have identified?

Consider if a spotter is necessary to look for movement indicating possible collapse Signup and view all the answers

What should CERT search and rescue teams prioritize?

Their own safety Signup and view all the answers

What should volunteers do if they identify potentially life-threatening hazards?

Report the hazards and wait for instructions Signup and view all the answers

How should CERT volunteers approach the search in a structure that appears to have minimal or moderate damage?

With caution, considering non-structural damage or instability Signup and view all the answers

What should CERT volunteers do to assess the situation outside of the immediate area?

Look around and consider the weather, crowd size, and responder activity Signup and view all the answers

Why should CERT volunteers play 'What if' after gathering information during the size-up?

To identify additional risks they may face Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of applying 'Murphy's Law' to the situation?

To anticipate potential problems and prevent them Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Building Condition Assessment

If unsure about a building's condition, CERT volunteers should prioritize safety and avoid entering the structure until evaluated.
Assume damage is severe if uncertain about whether it is moderate or heavy.

Damage Types

Superficial cracks or breaks in the wall surface and minor interior content damage are classified as minor damage.
Signs of moderate damage include visible cracks, distorted walls, and significant interior damage without collapse.
Severe damage involves partial or total collapse, tilting structures, and significant structural instability.
Damage with water rising or moving and gas leaks or hazardous materials present indicates critical hazards.

Protocol for Damaged Buildings

With visible damage and significant interior content damage, evacuate the area and report the situation to authorities.
Encountering decorative damage or many cracks indicates a need for cautious evaluation; avoid entering unless necessary.
If there is superficial damage and broken windows, assume underlying issues may exist and approach with caution.

Observations and Actions

If a building is 'groaning,' rescuers should evacuate the area immediately due to potential for collapse.
Volunteers can describe locations within and around a structure using landmarks, exits, and hazard indicators.

Earthquake Damage Expectations

Wood frame single-family homes may experience moderate to severe shaking, leading to cracks and structural stress.

Risk Considerations

It's crucial for CERT volunteers to anticipate potential hazards in addition to expected outcomes; this can prevent oversights in emergency situations.
Identify and manage risks associated with the probabilities to ensure safety and effective response.

Search and Rescue Priorities

CERT search and rescue teams should prioritize saving lives and addressing immediate threats to health and safety.
Upon identifying life-threatening hazards, evacuate persons at risk and signal for professional assistance.

Search Techniques

Approach structures with minimal or moderate damage by conducting a cautious and thorough inspection while maintaining safety protocols.
Assess the situation outside the immediate area to identify potential secondary hazards or additional victims.

Size-Up Strategy

Use 'What if' scenarios post-information gathering to evaluate possible outcomes and prepare for emergencies.
Apply 'Murphy's Law' to consider what may go wrong; this approach fosters preparedness and adaptive strategies in emergencies.

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Description

Test your knowledge of assessing and communicating damage in interior and exterior searches with this quiz. Learn about the CERT mission for different levels of damage and the general guidelines for assessing building conditions.