2026 DOB FULL-SCALE EXERCISE – Adaptive Damage Assessment in a Modern Environment

2026 DOB FULL-SCALE EXERCISE – Adaptive Damage Assessment in a Modern Environment 

To sign up for a session, reply to

Duration:            8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (1 Day - Classroom Training) - 7.5 LU/HSW

                                  8:00 AM – 1:00 PM (5 Hours - Field Training) - 4.5 LU/HSW          

Locations:          Classroom Training – 280 Broadway – 3^rd or 4^th Floor Training Room

                                  Field Training – Fort Totten Queens

Registration

To sign up for a session, reply to jumaldonado@buildings.nyc.gov no later than Monday, April 6, 2026.

Please submit the following:

1.      First Name

2.      Last Name

3.      P.E /or R.A.

4.      Your employer/Firm Name/ Affiliations

5.      1st Preferred Session

6.      2nd Preferred Session

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS (FORT TOTTEN)

•  Participants arriving to Fort Totten Park will be greeted at the security gate by DOB personnel. Attendees are expected to arrive no later than 7:30 AM.
• Upon arrival, please park in the public parking lot at “Little Bay Park”, outside the main entrance to “Ft. Totten Park”, and wait for further instructions.
• Do not cross main entrance security boot unless you were pre-authorized by exercise planning team. If you are not sure about direction, if you accidently entered the park and unable to navigate to the right place, call DOB Chief Emergency Management Officer Dmitri Dits at 917-709-6186.
•  Make sure to bring your hardhat and any type of governmental I.D. Adequate shoes are required. Your smart phone should be fully charged. You will need to have cash money to buy your food on premises.

Note:

• Sessions will be filled on a first come first served basis.
• Successful registrations will receive a confirmation from DOB Buildings University

Classroom Course Description:  In this training, the Department of Buildings Emergency Management Unit will guide participants through the evolving risks posed by climate change, specifically focusing on the increased frequency of flooding events, including flash floods. Participants will learn how to adapt traditional damage assessment methods to modern challenges. Additionally, the course will cover the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance damage assessment intelligence, enabling more efficient and accurate responses during emergencies. Participants will also gain technical learning experience in applying structural damage assessments under the Applied Technology Council (ATC) standards.

Classroom Learning Objectives:

1.      Adaptation to Flooding and Climate-Induced Events:
Participants will discuss and evaluate best practices for addressing multiple emergency scenarios, particularly those triggered by increased flooding (flash floods) and climate-induced weather patterns. Emphasis will be on adaptive strategies to assess damage in rapidly changing environments.

2.      Distinguishing Between Emergency Event Types:
Participants will identify distinctions between minor and major emergency events, focusing on the unique impact of flooding and the accelerated damage caused by flash floods, which require rapid adaptation in damage assessment.

3.      CIMS and Climate Adaptation:
Participants will review and summarize the updated Department’s core competency expectations per the City-Wide Incident Management System (CIMS), with a focus on adapting assessment protocols for climate resilience and flood risk.

4.      Utilizing AI in Damage Assessment:
Participants will explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the damage assessment process, learning how AI tools can enhance the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of identifying structural and equipment damage, especially during flood-related incidents.

5.      Practical Application of Structural Damage Assessment Under Applied Technology Standard:
Participants will gain hands-on experience in applying structural damage assessment techniques in real-world scenarios, aligned with the Applied Technology Standard. This session will focus on operational procedures for conducting assessments during critical events, while considering the influence of advanced technology tools.

Field Training Course Description:       

The Department of Buildings Emergency Management Unit, with logistical support from FDNY Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Academy, will conduct an annual exercise in accordance with the agency's Continuity of Operations (COOP) framework. Participants will also gain realistic scenario real-time experience in applying structural damage assessments under the Applied Technology Council (ATC) standards.

Field Training Learning Objectives:

1. Application of Citywide Incident Management Knowledge:
   Participants will apply Citywide Incident Management System (CIMS) knowledge in simulated emergency response scenarios.
2. DOB Command and Control Structure:
   Participants will follow the agency-specific Command and Control structure in response to a modeled large-scale emergency.
3. Personal Safety:
   Participants will receive a personal safety briefing prior to deployment to the exercise site.
4. Structural Damage Assessment and After-Action Review:
   Participants will perform a Structural Damage Assessment and conduct an immediate After-Action Review (AAR) in near real-time to evaluate the effectiveness of the assessment and response.

For additional questions or concerns, please contact DOB Chief Emergency Management Officer Dmitri Dits at 917-709-6186, ddits@buildings.nyc.gov  or Emergency Management Coordinator Tatiana Kreneva at 646-531-8035, tkreneva@buildings.nyc.gov   

Thank you for your cooperation.