The table below shows the criteria which should be used when performing damage assessments.
Clicking on the "Damage Class" opens a more detailed description of the magnitude of damage required to assess the structura at this level. However, these links will give an error if you have no network.

You may also reference the IDHS Field Guide HERE to download the document in its entirety for more detailed information.

Housing Type	Basement	Damage Cause	Damage Class	Criterion
Conventional	Yes	Flooding	Inaccessible	Flood waters are blocking access to residences by covering, washing out, or destroying roads, bridges, or access routes, and degree of damage cannot be visually verified.
			Affected	Minimal damage to structure or contents. Any water line in the crawl space or basement when essential living space or mechanical components are not damaged or submerged.
			Minor	Water line 1 to 3 inches in an essesntial living space. When water line exceeds 3 inches but is below 18 inches, damage may be major or minor, depending on the following factors: duration of the flood, contaminates in the water, if water line reached electrical outlets, and number of essential living spaces flooded. Water line in a finished basement. Damage to mechanical components. Damage or disaster-related contamination to a private well or septic system.
			Major	For essesntial living space: water level 18 inches or greater and damage to mechanical components or electrical utilities such as main electrical panel; AND failure or partial failure to structural walls, foundation, or support structures. For non-essential living space: failure or partial failure to structural walls, foundation, or support structures; AND severe damage to or complete failure of mechanical components or electrical utilities (such as main electrical panel) due to water level.
			Destroyed	2 or more walls bowed, missing, or collapsed. Residence is unsafe, and requires immediate demolition. Per the matrix, there is no water depth requirement for a destroyed residence.
Conventional	No	Flooding	Inaccessible	Flood waters are blocking access to residences by covering, washing out, or destroying roads, bridges, or access routes, and degree of damage cannot be visually verified.
			Affected	Minimal damage to structure or contents. Any water line in the crawl space when essential living space or mechanical components are not damaged or submerged.
			Minor	Water line 1 to 3 inches in an essesntial living space. When water line exceeds 3 inches but is below 18 inches, damage may be major or minor, depending on the following factors: duration of the flood, contaminates in the water, if water line reached electrical outlets, and number of essential living spaces flooded. Damage to mechanical components. Damage or disaster-related contamination to a private well or septic system.
			Major	Water line above 18 inches. Electrical outlets inundated regardless of water depth. Partially collapsed or collapsed wall(s).
			Destroyed	2 or more walls bowed, missing, or collapsed. Residence is unsafe, and requires immediate demolition. Per the matrix, there is no water depth requirement for a destroyed residence.
Manufactured	N/A	Flooding	Inaccessible	Flood waters are blocking access to residences by covering, washing out, or destroying roads, bridges, or access routes, and degree of damage cannot be visually verified.
			Affected	Water line in yard; no damage affecting habitability. Cosmetic damage only.
			Minor	Water line is below the floor system. Skirting or HVAC is impacted. No structural damage to the residence and it has not been displaced from the foundation.
			Major	Water has come into contact with the floor system. Residence has been displaced from the foundation, block or piers and other structural components have been damaged.
			Destroyed	Complete failure of 2 or more major structural components.
Conventional	N/A	Event Other Than Flooding	Inaccessible	Debris from landslides, mudslides, severe soil erosion, or blowdown is blocking access to residences by disrupting or destroying roads, bridges, or access routes, and degree of damage cannot be visually verified.
			Affected	Partial missing shingles or siding. Cosmetic damage. Broken screens, gutter damage, or debris. Damage to an attached structure such as porch, carport, garage, or outbuilding not for commercial use. Damage to landscaping, retaining walls, or downed trees that do not affect access to the residence.
			Minor	Non-structural damage to roof componencts over essential living space to include shingles. Non-structural damage to interior wall components. Non-structural damage to exterior components. Multiple small vertical cracks in foundation. Damage to chimney. Damage to mechanical components. Damage or disaster related contamination to a private well or septic system.
			Major	Failure or partial failure to structural elements of the roof over required rooms. Failure or partial failure to structural elements of the walls. Failure or partial failure to foundation.
			Destroyed	Only foundation remains. Residence will require immediate demolition or removal b/c of disaster related damage or confirmed imminent danger.
Manufactured	N/A	Event Other Than Flooding	Inaccessible	Debris from landslides, mudslides, severe soil erosion, or blowdown is blocking access to residences by disrupting or destroying roads, bridges, or access routes, and degree of damage cannot be visually verified.
			Affected	Frame is not bent, twisted, or otherwise compromised. No structural components of the dwelling have been damaged.
			Minor	No structural damage to the residence and it has not been displaced from the foundation. Non-structural components have sustained damage. Skirting or HVAC is impacted.
			Major	Residence has been displaced from the foundation, block or piers and other structural components have been damaged.
			Destroyed	Frame is bent, twisted, or otherwise compromised. Missing roof covering or the structural ribbing has collapsed for the majority of the roof system.