Field Knowledge · CAT & field readiness
CAT Deployment: Field Readiness Checklist
Field checklist format: use your browser’s Print or Save as PDF option when a paper or offline copy helps. Keep any claim-specific notes in the authorized claim system, not on this reference.
CAT readiness is a failure-planning exercise, not a prediction that work exists. Do not travel or represent yourself as deployed without a legitimate assignment, current credentials, and the required authorization.
Authority and official information
- Confirm the organization, assignment channel, role, reporting path, required credentials, and written instructions through independently verified contacts.
- Recheck licenses and emergency-adjuster requirements with the official state regulator.
- Use official weather and emergency sources: https://www.weather.gov, https://www.nhc.noaa.gov, https://www.fema.gov/disaster, and state/local emergency management.
- Save essential contacts and instructions for offline access without copying secrets into insecure notes.
Personal and travel continuity
- Lodging, route alternatives, fuel plan, vehicle service, tolls, parking, and realistic travel time
- Medication, food, hydration, clothing, laundry, sleep, and family check-in plan
- Stop conditions for weather, fatigue, access, civil restrictions, and unsafe lodging or travel
Work continuity
- Authorized devices, chargers, cables, backup power, connectivity alternatives, and offline workflow
- Required measuring, documentation, safety, and weather-protection equipment
- Secure storage and a daily reconciliation method for notes, images, measurements, assignments, and expenses
- A fallback for device failure, account lockout, lost connectivity, and damaged equipment
Data custody
Confirm encryption, screen lock, remote-loss process, approved sync destination, and separation between assignments. Keep claim material out of personal photo backup, consumer cloud storage, community posts, and unapproved messaging. Know whom to contact for a lost device or suspected disclosure.
Before departure
Perform a complete test: power every device, open required applications, verify storage, export one synthetic file, work briefly offline, reconnect, and confirm the authorized record receives the result. A packed tool is not ready until its failure path is understood.