Preparing for Winter Deployments

Cold weather is here and provides a great opportunity to learn more about preparing for winter weather catastrophes and those freezing deployment calls. Adjusters know winter months are notorious for bringing severe weather to our communities. Deployments to a winter weather disaster zone can be tricky or even frightening. Now is the time to make sure you’re prepared to deploy with your documents, tools, and supplies. Check out these tips to help you get ready for those winter deployments.

Pack Your Go-bag

Pack a go-bag with all the essentials you may need including a battery-powered weather radio, paper maps in case you lose your cell signal, blankets, non-perishable foods, and water in the event you are confined to your vehicle. Have cash on hand in preparation for when card machines are down or there is a power outage. Having a go-bag will help make sure everything is maintained, accounted for, and have you ready to go in a moment’s notice. This avoids scrambling for essentials at the last minute.

Provide Status Updates if Traveling Alone

Let someone know where you will be if you’re traveling solo and check in regularly since conditions may be a little bit different than what you’re used to navigating. Keeping someone informed of your location would be beneficial in an emergency where your building or vehicle gets snowed-in. It could be as simple as sharing your geographical location with someone you trust during your winter deployment.

Mental Preparation is Key

This tends to be one of those personal components of a deployment we do not actively acknowledge. It’s especially important you take time before your deployment to prepare mentally for the journey you are about to go on. You never know what you may encounter on a deployment: disruptions in your inspection schedule, power outages, hard-to-navigate roads. Moreover, there’s an emotional aspect to our duty including interviewing people who have lost their property and possibly their loved ones. Practice active breathing techniques to help you process before, during, and after a deployment.

Keep Your Licenses Current

Make sure all your licenses are current including CE credits and appointments. Don’t miss a deployment due to licensing issues! You cannot always rely on emergency licensing and many times they’re not issued immediately or at all in some cases. If you live in a non-licensing state, consider getting a license from a state that issues a Designated Home State License. Florida andTexas are both good choices. Note that different states require different types of licenses and have different sets of rules. For example, if you are a Texas resident and you earn your Texas All-Lines Adjuster License, you’ll be licensed for deployments in the 16 states that don’t have state-specific licensing programs.

At CNC we continue to add clients to our winter claims business. Be sure and keep CNC up-to-date on your current licenses, certifications, and contact information.

Don’t Forget About Vehicle Maintenance

Make sure your vehicle maintenance is up-to-date including all scheduled maintenance, oil, fluids, tires, A/C, etc. You will spend a considerable amount of your deployment in your vehicle and if it’s not working neither are you. Stock your vehicle with bottled water and snacks. While deployed, be sure to keep your fuel topped off. Fuel is often in short supply immediately after a catastrophe event, so remember to fill up whenever you can. The last thing you need is to run out of gas in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

CAT Clothing in the Winter

Clothing is often overlooked. You want to prepare for winter weather and make sure you have warm clothing and outerwear. Working in the cold can be uncomfortable. Be sure your CAT clothing fits, is in good condition, and is free of stains and holes. It’s essential you look professional in the field. Be sure you have enough clothing available to get by for a week to ten days between washings. Do not forget foul weather gear.

Carry Your Forms of Identification on You

When traveling during a deployment, make sure to have your license card, FCN card, and a valid driver’s license on you at all times. It is best if all your licenses and identification display your name and address consistently. These documents may be essential in gaining access to disaster-stricken areas.

There are many components to adjusting especially during winter deployment. Preparation is key and can pave the road for a smooth winter deployment and the capability to adapt when roadblocks arise. Contact our HR team for more information about how to prepare for deployments: hr@cnc-resource.com.

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