Always bring a backup.
If you plan on deploying as a property field adjuster, you probably already have the basic tools, clothing, and software. You may also have a “go-bag” and can leave within a moment’s notice. All of that is great, and you could have a very successful deployment as long as nothing goes wrong. But things do go wrong and items break, get lost, or worse: stolen. That is why we made a list of the top ten items we recommend you bring extras of, and why.
- Extra Camera: Even if you take claim photos with your phone, it is always a good idea to have a backup camera. In the event you drop your camera off the roof and it shatters into five pieces on the driveway below, you will be glad to have the extra. Stick with the same model so the battery and SD cards are compatible, and always keep both batteries charged. That way you will have a backup battery when the first one inevitably dies after your third inspection.
- Extra SD Cards: If you are using a digital camera, you may want to use an SD card if you are concerned your camera storage is not going to be large enough. Furthermore, having a couple extra on hand is a good idea in case one becomes corrupt, damaged, or lost.
- Pro Tip – If you are working with a partner, you can rotate your SD cards between inspections. After you use one, have your partner upload the photos on the computer while you are using a second SD card.
- Extra Chargers: If your laptop charger broke and you did not have an extra, what would you do? The same concept applies to your phone, camera, and any other chargeable device. Now if only all of my devices used the same charger…
- Extra Cash: It is good to have cash on hand when heading into an area after a hurricane. It can take a while for power to be restored and many places only take cash. While having some cash is good, having extra is always better.
- Pro Tip – Don’t wait! Grab your cash before you enter the storm site as ATMs may be down.
- Extra Gas Cans: If you have a pickup truck, bringing extra gas comes in handy when entering a storm site. Locals may use a majority, if not all the gas, as they prepare to leave or to run their generators. It may take a while for gas trucks to reach gas stations in a post-storm area and this can force you to travel farther than you’d like to refill. *Do not store fuel in gas cans in the interior of your vehicle*
- Extra Batteries: You never know when you’re going to need batteries. Having an extra pack of AA and AAA batteries can’t hurt. You can also try rechargeable batteries. Many devices like laser measurers, headlamps, cameras, and moisture meters take batteries. Check to see which of your devices require specialty batteries and grab an extra one of those on your way out of town.
- Extra Chalk: When a large storm hits, roofers, adjusters, and ladder assists coming into the disaster area will be using chalk. If you wait to buy more until you run out, there may not be any left in the stores. Buy in bulk during the off-season, store it indoors, and bring an extra box or two for the deployment.
- Extra Pens and Paper: If you take scope notes by hand, this is especially helpful. Many adjusters prefer to use the same graph paper and pens to sketch and take notes. Finding the same graph paper and pens is not always as easy as it seems. It can also be time consuming to run to the store and any trip saved could be another claim inspected.
- Extra Clothes: Packing a week’s supply of outfits may seem like enough if you plan to do laundry every sunday. But if the laundromat is closed, the machines are all in use, or the area is still without power, you may need a backup outfit or two. This mainly refers to undergarments since you could re-wear pants and a shirt in a pinch
- Extra CougarPaws Replacement Pads: This may not apply to everyone, but if you climb a lot of steep roofs with CougarPaws, eventually the padding will wear down. Instead of waiting for the pad to give out on you while on a roof, bring a pair of replacement pads with you and use them!
