CZM works with other state and federal agencies to help the Commonwealth prepare for and respond to storms and other natural or man-made disasters. With its technical, planning, and mapping expertise, CZM can play an important role in helping communities and individuals minimize risks to property and safety during these emergencies. CZM also is involved in Operations and Response to coastal disasters, by serving as the leader of the Commonwealth's Rapid Response Storm Damage Survey Team. This team gathers information about storm damage and gets this information to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Operations Center within one to two days of when the storm hits. CZM's damage assessments focus the response and recovery to the hardest hit areas and enable the Governor to rapidly determine the need for federal assistance.