The recovery team must then proceed as methodically as possible. Generally, several things will need to be happening at the same time, hence the importance of assigning specific duties to each member of the disaster team. The extent of the damage must be assessed: what materials are affected and how badly. Photographs should be taken before any work begins. The damage can be described in writing, by speaking into a tape recorder or by taping with a video camera.

Common sense must prevail. If the emergency is discovered right away and is relatively minor, such as a leak from the ceiling, it's often possible to avert serious damage by simply draping some plastic sheeting from the disaster salvage kit over materials directly below the leak. A commercially made product called a Water Diverter; can be a useful part of the disaster kit in a building with recurring roof leaks. The building engineer should be notified, and the insurance; company, if applicable.