What are the possible issues and options that are kept in mind while planning a Building Evaluation?

Building Evaluation Activity

This activity is provided as an optional element of the IAAI/USFA Vacant/Abandoned Building Evaluation program. It is intended to provide participants with hands on experience in evaluating vacant or abandoned structures using the IAAI/USFA Evaluation form.

Materials and Equipment

• Personal protective clothing

• Flashlight

• Radio

• Evaluation forms

• Graph/grid paper

• Pen or pencil

• Ruler

Preparation and Safety

Locate a vacant or abandoned building that is available for the activity. Permission from the owner should be obtained prior to entry. The lead instructor should inspect each property prior to assigning teams to a building. Buildings with significant hazards should NOT be used for this activity. An instructor equipped with a portable radio should act as safety officer while participants are operating in the building.

Activity

• Divide the group into teams of 2 to 4 participants.

• Assign two or more teams to each of the properties identified for the activity.

• Teams should be instructed to conduct an evaluation of the structure independently. Each team should complete the evaluation form and develop a sketch of the assigned building.

• Teams assigned to each building should present their findings to the group individually. Any variations in evaluations of the building should be discussed in detail and a consensus achieved.

• Continue with reports until all assigned buildings have been discussed.

LESSON PLAN – Evaluating Abandoned Buildings

IAAI/USFA Abandoned Building Project 12

Using the PowerPoint Support Slides

The PowerPoint support slides provided with this lesson plan are intended to provide a graphical element to this presentation. While the talk can be delivered without the slides, seeing examples of what is being discussed will make a lasting impression on the audience.

The PowerPoint file can be projected using a computer and projector or the slides can be printed as transparencies. The presenter can use the features provided with PowerPoint to provide handouts to the participants by printing the Handout view from the file. Presenters should also review the Notes view of the file as additional information regarding most of the slides is provided.

For those with the capability, photos of buildings and issues from the local community can be easily added to the program to customize the program.