FEMA published its Damage Assessment Operations Manual on April 5, 2016. The manual establishes national damage assessment standards developed from lessons learned and best practices already in use. FEMA intends to increase the accuracy, consistency, and efficiency of damage assessments by providing emergency management at all levels with clear information and defined roles and responsibilities. The manual was created by FEMA subject-matter experts and incorporates the perspectives and experience of local, state, and tribal emergency management, voluntary agency representatives and private sector partners. The standards put forth in the manual will be the national standard utilized by states and tribes conducting damage assessments after disasters.