AH-XXX, Damage Inspection Specialist (DINS)

AH-XXX, Damage

Inspection Specialist

(DINS)

Course Plan

Course Details

Description:This course is designed to provide the skills and knowledge needed to perform in the role of a Damage Inspection Specialist. Topics include position overview; supplies and equipment; assignments; Damage Inspection Leader expectations; communications; documentation; navigation; safety, and data collection.

Designed For:Damage Inspection Specialist (DINS), All-Hazards

Prerequisites:ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents; and

IS-800.b: National Response Framework, An Introduction; and

Qualified Damage Inspection Technician (DINT)

Corequisites:None

Standard:Attend all course hours and complete all in-class activities and homework

assignments (as applicable)

Hours:Lecture:05:00

Activities: 02:30

Test: 00:30

Hours (Total):08:00

Maximum Class Size:40

Instructor Level:Primary

Instructor/Student Ratio:1:40

Restrictions: None

SFT Designation: FSTEP

Required Resources

Instructor Resources

To teach this course, instructors need:

  • Damage Inspection Specialist (DINS) Course Plan
  • ICS-XXX, Damage Inspection Specialist Position Manual[JE1]
  • NWCG PMS-461 Incident Response Pocket Guide (current edition)
  • FIRESCOPE ICS-420-1, Field Operations Guide (current edition)

Student Resources

To participate in this course, students need (if required by instructors):

  • FIRESCOPE ICS-420-1, Field Operations Guide (current edition)
  • NWCG PMS-461 Incident Response Pocket Guide (current edition)
  • Handheld GPS unit
  • Smart device
  • Laptop computer

Facilities, Equipment, and Personnel

The following facilities, equipment, or personnel are required to deliver this course:

Facilities

  • Standard classroom set up for up to 40 students
  • Projector for audio/visual presentations
  • Internet access

Unit 1: Course Introduction

Topic 1-1: Course Introductions

Terminal Learning Objective

At the end of this topic, a student will be able to identify the instructors, students, facility and classroom requirements of this course.

Enabling Learning Objectives

  1. Identify instructors through self-introduction
  2. Name
  3. Agency
  4. Experience with damage inspection
  5. Identify students through self-introductions
  6. Name
  7. Agency
  8. Experience with damage inspection
  9. Identify the facility and classroom requirements during instruction
  10. Restroom locations
  11. Exits
  12. Start and end times
  13. Breaks
  14. Electronic device policies
  15. Special needs and accommodations
  16. Other requirements as applicable

Discussion Questions

  1. Are there any questions?

Activities

  1. To be determined by the instructor

Topic 1-2:Course Description and Objectives

TerminalLearningObjective

At the end of this topic, a student will understand the instructor’s expectations, course schedule, and course objectives during instruction.

EnablingLearningObjectives

  1. Identify the instructor’s expectations during instruction
  • The course is designed to be interactive and class participation is encouraged
  • The course contains several exercises designed to facilitate group and class discussion
  1. Review the course schedule
  2. Identify the course objectives during instruction
  3. Have a thorough understanding of what damage inspection is and its purpose, and where the Damage Inspection Specialist (DINS) fits in the ICS organizational structure
  4. Have a thorough understanding of the duties and responsibilities of a DINS
  5. Have a thorough understanding of how and what to prepare for the damage inspection process to be successful
  6. Have a thorough understanding of all aspects of the damage inspection process
  7. Have a thorough understanding of incident damage inspection information needs and reporting requirements
  8. Have a thorough understanding of proper steps to ensure a safe and orderly demobilization of damage inspection resources

DiscussionQuestions

1.Are there any questions?

Activities

1.Tobedeterminedbytheinstructor

Topic 1-3:General Knowledge Requirements

TerminalLearningObjective

At the end of this topic, a student will understand how to qualify as a DINS based upon the DINS Qualification Guide.

EnablingLearningObjectives

  1. Identify qualification guide requirements for qualification as a DINS
  • ICS-300
  • IS-800B
  • Qualified DINT
  • Completion of the DINS course
  • Completion of the DINS Position Task Book (PTB)
  • The California Incident Command Certification System (CICCS) is the approving authority for qualifications
  • CICCS is a cooperative effort between the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, Fire and Rescue Branch (OES)
  • State Fire Training (SFT) is a State Fire Marshal Office responsibility
  • OES manages the movement of fire service resources throughout the state during times of an emergency
  1. Additional recommended trainings:
  • S-130, Firefighter Training
  • S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
  • S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
  • RT-130, Annual Fireline Safety Refresher Training
  • Fireline Safety for the Hired Vendor (SFT)

DiscussionQuestions

  1. Can your agency’s Fire Chief approve your qualification as a DINS?
  2. Who is the authority for confirming individuals’ qualifications?
  3. Why is it important to complete annual fireline safety training?

Activities

  1. To be determined by theinstructor

Instructor Note

  1. In addition, the instructor is encouraged to reference the qualification guide for DINS.

Topic 1-4: Course Requirements

Terminal Learning Objective

At the end of this topic, a student will understand the course completion requirements.

Enabling Learning Objectives

  1. Identify successful course completion requirements
  • Sign the course roster
  • Attend all 8 hours of instruction
  • Participate in all activities
  • Complete a class evaluation

Discussion Questions

  1. Does everyone understand how to successfully complete this course?
  2. What is a required activity that you must complete by the end of this course?

Activities

  1. To be determined by the instructor

Unit 2: Position Overview

Topic 2-1: Position Description

TerminalLearningObjective

At the end of this topic, a student, given the elements of a damage inspection and the responsibilities of a Damage Inspection Specialist (DINS) for an all-hazards incident will be able to describe what a damage inspection is, to whom the DINS reports to, setting up the work area so that during an assignment the DINS will be able to perform within general guidelines and communicate and interact within the Planning Section or as assigned during an incident.

EnablingLearningObjectives

1.Describe what damage inspection is

  • A systematic survey of an incident for collecting and recording damageto property, infrastructure, environmental resources, and other items as needed

2.Describethe purpose of damage inspection

  • To inspect the area within the incident perimeter to identify damage and record data
  • To provide data to assist with potential disaster declaration
  • To provide a clear understanding of the impact the disaster is having and provide information for loss analysis
  • To provide information for a variety of uses and agencies (federal/tribal, state, local and private)
  • To assist with recovery efforts
  • For research and law validation
  1. Describe to whom the DINS reports to
  • DINS functions within the Planning Section
  • DINS functions within the Situation Unit
  • DINS will report to and work under the direction of the Situation Unit Leader (SITL)
  1. Discuss setting up the work area
  2. Discuss the primary interactions at the incident
  • Planning Section
  • Liaison Officer
  • Incident Commander
  • Federal/tribal, state, and local government agencies
  • Red Cross

DiscussionQuestions

  1. Whom does the DINS report to?
  2. How does the DINS interact within the Planning Section (PSC, SITL, GISS)?

Activities

  1. To be determined by the instructor

Instructor Note

  1. Instructor is encouraged to reference the ICS-XXX Damage Inspection Specialist Position Manual.

Topic 2-2: Duties and Expectations

TerminalLearningObjective

At the end of this topic, a student, given the duties and responsibilities of a DINS will be able to describethe duties and expectations of a DINSso that the student will safely perform within the guidelines established for a DINS before an incident occurs.

EnablingLearningObjectives

  1. Describe the duties and expectations of the Damage Inspection Specialist
  2. ReviewCommon Responsibilities(Chapter 1ofthe ICS420-1FieldOperationsGuide)
  3. Review Unit Leader Responsibilities (Chapter 1 of the FOG)
  4. Check in and obtain a briefing from the Situation Unit Leader (SITL)
  5. Receive assignment and assess current situation
  6. Establish work location designated by the SITL
  7. Participate in Planning Section activities and attend Cooperator Meetings
  8. Attend all daily incident Operational briefings
  9. Conduct a daily DINS briefing with DINT teams prior to deployment to the field
  10. Provide for the safety and welfare of assigned resources
  11. Oversee the inspection and documentation of incident caused losses to property, infrastructure, environmental resources, and other items as needed
  12. Complete required forms and documentation according to agency specifications
  13. Report information to the SITL by established procedure
  14. Obtain and review a copy of the Incident Action Plan (IAP) for each operational period
  15. Obtain all necessary equipment and supplies
  16. Establish communication with local government representatives through the Liaison Officer
  17. Establish inspection areas for each team within the incident perimeter for field data collection
  18. After each operational period, provide for a debriefing and ensure submission of collected data and complete data validation analysis
  19. Resupply expended materials prior to the next operational period
  20. Respond to information requests in a timely manner
  21. Prepare final Damage Inspection Report for approval by the Incident Commander
  22. Establish and maintain positive interpersonal and interagency working relationships
  23. Exhibit model leadership values and principles
  24. Conduct self within department policy, procedures and bargaining unit MOU
  25. Complete ICS 225, Incident Personnel Performance Rating, for each assigned personnel
  26. Demobilize according to the Incident Demobilization Plan
  27. Maintain Unit/Activity Log (ICS Form 214)
  28. Identify what to include in your DINS kit
  29. Smart device with charging devices
  30. Handheld GPS
  31. Spare batteries
  32. Damage Inspectin Worksheet (hard copy data inspection form as backup)
  33. Damage inspection field identification supplies
  34. General office supplies
  35. Clipboard
  36. Cloneable portable radio (required – bring or obtain at incident)
  37. Laptop computer
  38. Thumb drive
  39. Printer (optional)
  40. Damage Inspection Report template
  41. ICS-213
  42. ICS-214

DiscussionQuestions

  1. List some of the duties and expectations of the DINS?

Activities

  1. To be determined by the instructor
  2. Class activity to develop a personal and work assignment (DINS Kit)

Unit 3: Incident Responsibilities

Topic 3-1:Administration and Responsibilities

TerminalLearningObjective

At the end of this topic, a student, given DINS responsibilities, equipment and a simulated All-Hazards incident scenarios will be able to determinethe DINS administrative duties regarding personnel, equipment, significant events, anddifferent agency interactions so that in a position as a DINS will be able safely comply with standard identified guidelines during an incident and communicate within the chainof command.

EnablingLearningObjectives

  1. Describethe DINS administrative responsibilities regarding personnel, equipment, and significant events
  2. Establish and maintain a strong command presence early
  3. Provide for the safety and welfare of assigned resources
  4. Survey assigned personnel’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and match them to opportunities when possible
  5. Communicate and ensure understanding of work expectations within the chain of command and across functional areas
  6. Exhibit model leadership values and principles
  7. Exhibit principles of respect and integrity
  8. Describethe scope of a DINS responsibility for DINT personal injuries, equipment, and property issues
  9. Notifications – Situation Unit Leader, Safety Officer, Comp/Claims Unit Leader, Medical Unit Leader
  10. Ensure DINT completes appropriate paperwork for the injury or equipment/property issue
  11. DINS to complete appropriate paperwork for the injury or equipment/property issue
  12. Describethe different agencies a DINS may be working for or interacting with
  13. Federal/Tribal
  14. State
  15. Local
  16. Private

DiscussionQuestions

  1. Give some examples of providing for the welfare of the DINTs.

Activities

  1. To be determined by the instructor

Topic 3-2:Preparing for Damage Inspection

TerminalLearningObjective

At the end of this topic, a student, given a simulated All-Hazards incident scenario will be able to describe how and what to prepare for a successful damage inspection process prior to arriving at an incident and upon arriving at an incident so that resource requests, inspection areas, electronic data collection devices and information are collected so that team assignments are safely managed and hazardous areas are documented and notified within the chain of command.

EnablingLearningObjectives

  1. Describeinformation gathering prior to arriving at the incident to determine initial resource needs
  2. Online maps
  3. GIS/Parcel Information
  4. News/Social Media
  5. Determine the number of personnel/equipment ordered
  6. Describeinformation gathering upon arriving at the incident
  7. Need overview map of the incident
  8. Initial assessment - A fast, limited detail survey to assess the amount and type of damage within the incident perimeter
  9. Assess the incident size, scope, and impact to the surrounding areas
  10. Assess the number of personnel needed
  11. Division of labor
  12. Estimate amount of days for assignment
  13. Describeordering Resources
  14. Personnel
  15. Equipment
  16. Supplies
  17. Validate orders with ROSS
  18. Describeinspection areas
  19. Based on amount of damage
  20. Based on size
  21. Based on the amount of driving
  22. Based on the concentration of damage
  23. Describemobile devices and apps
  24. What electronic data collection process will be used on the incident
  25. What handwritten process will be utilized if the electronic data collection process is unavailable or fails
  26. Discuss team assignments
  27. Minimum of 2 personnel per team
  28. Establish DINT team identifiers
  29. Team composition should consist of one person familiar with the damage inspection process (experienced DINT) and a subject matter expert for the type of incident
  30. Other team members can consist of Technical Specialists (e.g., law enforcement, hazardous materials, building official, structural engineer, etc.)
  31. Conduct field training on what to document, how to utilize the electronic data collection method and forms to utilize
  32. What training is needed specific to the incident – what to document
  33. Provide data collection training to those unfamiliar with the electronic data collection process utilized at the incident
  34. What forms will be utilized
  35. Develop GIS field maps
  36. Determininginspection areas for DINTs

DiscussionQuestions

  1. What forms will be utilized during your assignment as a DINS?

Activities

  1. To be determined by the instructor

Topic 3-3:An Operational Period as a DINS

TerminalLearningObjective

At the end of this topic, a student, given a simulated All-Hazards operational briefing will be able to describe a DINS operational period so that a safe and thorough inspection is completed within an assigned area and properly documented and recorded for the chain of system.

EnablingLearningObjectives

  1. Discuss attendance Operational Briefing
  2. Describe the process of conducting a damage inspection briefing
  3. Ensure DINTs have supplies necessary for successful assignment
  4. Ensure DINTs are trained on what information to document and how to document it
  5. Ensure DINTs have damage inspection maps for field use
  6. Ensure GPS is set up, charged and ready for use
  7. Ensure DINTs know their assignment for the day
  8. Describe the DINS role in an ongoing incident including utilization of an IAP
  9. Ensure all DINT teams have an IAP for the current operational period
  10. Ensure all DINT teams are familiar with all aspects of the IAP for their assignment
  11. Describe the process for reconciling data
  12. Based on the electronic data collection process utilized
  13. Describe the process to ensure a thorough inspection of the damage area
  14. Ensure GPS unit is turned on and properly set up for track logs to track the day’s progress
  15. Conduct a systematic search approach for data collection efforts
  16. Inspect all properties
  17. Mark the property inspected as determined by the DINS
  18. Stay within your assigned inspection area unless otherwise instructed (no freelancing)
  19. Describe the debriefing process and with whom at the end of an operational period
  20. DINTs – Daily progress, what went well, what did not go well, hazards encountered, and how to improve the process
  21. SITL – Provide damage inspection intelligence update by designated time
  22. Describe process for maintaining accountability of DINT teams
  23. Tracked by mobile device
  24. Establish routine check in times with the DINS
  25. Check in and out with Division/Group Supervisor
  26. DINT teams to check in with DINS upon returning to the incident base

DiscussionQuestions

  1. Describe some topics to discuss during a damage inspection briefing for the operational period?
  2. Describe some daily duties of the DINS?

Activities

  1. To be determined by the instructor

Topic 3-4:Deliverables

TerminalLearningObjective

At the end of this topic, a student, given procedures for report dissemination will be able to describe the process for information dissemination of the incident damage inspection data so that complete report deliverables are properly documented and that reporting procedures are adhered to by the responsible jurisdiction and/or the chain of command.

EnablingLearningObjectives

  1. Describe the process for dissemination of incident damage inspection data
  2. Report damage inspection information through the chain of command by designated time to appropriate people
  3. Attend Cooperators Meeting
  4. Obtain approval and process to disseminate damage inspection information outside the chain of command or to outside agencies
  5. Develop deliverables: data spreadsheets, report maps, final damage inspection report
  6. Daily count of damaged/destroyed structures for the ICS 209
  7. Daily email of shape and geodatabase file if requested
  8. Damage Inspection Report
  9. Case studies

DiscussionQuestions

  1. Describe who within the Incident Command System would be interested in the damage inspection information collected?
  2. Why does the DINS need to attend the Cooperators Meeting?

Activities

  1. To be determined by the instructor

Topic 3-5:Demobilization

TerminalLearningObjective

At the end of this topic, a student will be able to demonstrate the proper steps to ensure a safe and orderly demobilization of resources.

EnablingLearningObjectives

  1. Describe the process to ensure that assigned resources are ready for demobilization
  2. Describethe administrative duties which must be completed prior to demobilization
  3. Conduct an Incident Personnel Performance Rating (ICS-225) evaluation with each DINT assigned
  4. Describe the process for excessing of DINT personnel and equipment
  5. Describe how the demobilization process applies to a DINT/DINS
  6. DINS will not be demobed until all required paperwork are complete and submitted
  7. Receive an Incident Personnel Performance Rating (ICS-225) from the SITL
  8. SITL will declare the DINT/DINS excess on an ICS 213 to the Resources/Demob Unit
  9. DINS will ensure all equipment obtained for damage inspection that is not consumable is returned prior to demob
  10. DINS will successfully complete the demob process

DiscussionQuestions