ADJUSTERS INTERNAT I ONAL . COM 5 D I S A S T E R R E C O V E R Y T O D A Y for each structure should be created containing copies of all communications and dated photographs of notices posted on structures. The Right of Entry Form should include: - The address of the structure and current address of the owner; - A clause that holds harmless the federal, state and local government from all activities related to the demolition; - A questionnaire to determine if the owner of the structure is insured or if any grants have been received to fund the demolition. This is important to avoid duplication of benefits. • The state’s historical preservation office should be contacted in writing to find out if the structures slated for demolition have any historic value. Return correspondence should be put in the project’s file. • Depending on the geographical location and age of the structure(s), during demolition contractors may encounter hazardous materials such as fuel oil tanks, propane tanks, asbestos or lead paint. An environmental review may be required. An abatement plan should be established before starting demolition to ensure that the contractors and/or general public are not exposed to dangerous substances. If there are hazardous substances in the structures, the contractor must have the appropriate OSHA certifications to ensure that the correct personal protective equipment is worn and debris is disposed of in an appropriate and legal manner. • In order to ease concerns about safety, air (and in rare instances, soil) monitoring equipment can be set up in the demolition areas. • Having uniformed fire and police personnel at the scene of the demolition will help ensure public safety. Prior to the start of a demolition, fire or police personnel can ensure that the structure is clear of animals or humans. • Especially for the initial demolitions, a viewing area should be designated to accommodate the spectators who will probably want to witness the buildings being razed. FEMA, state, local, historical and environmental officials as well as members of the media could be among those in the viewing audience. • A communications officer should be at the site during the demolition process to handle media questions. • The owner of the structure will often request that the contractor attempt to save items in the structure as it is demolished. It is important to have a predetermined plan for removal of such items. Private property demolition is one of the most complicated areas of reimbursable work under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. One of the best tools available to applicants is the Demolition Checklist found in Appendix F of the FEMA 325 Debris Management Guide. Special Handling Requirements Regardless of the triggering event, debris has the potential to contain regulated material that could require special handling to comply with federal, state and local regulations. If the debris is not handled and disposed of properly, it is possible that penalties will be imposed that could lead to the denial of FEMA funding. Common types of debris requiring special handling are: • C&D debris if it contains lead paint or asbestos; • Paint cans, gas, solvents and other hazardous materials; • Computers, televisions and other electronic components and supplies (“e-waste”); • Stoves, refrigerators and other major appliances (“white goods”). [Refrigerators, in particular, can quickly become bio-hazards due to decomposing organic materials stored in them, along with the refrigerant gas in their operating systems.
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