2024 Cat Readiness Playbook
2024 Cat Readiness Playbook
2024 Cat Readiness Playbook
READY:T
STORM
Tips, To
ols
Tactics ,
Legal readiness 5
Section 6: CAT Bootcamp: Become a top dog (& earn 3 IICRC credits) 29
FINANCIAL MUSCLE
LESSONS
BOO ST YOUR BUFF E R
LEARNED FROM
HURRICANE IAN
Have enough cash reserves and a reliable credit
line ready before disaster strikes. Budget for all
expected costs— f ood, lodging, labor, fuel—
and then double it to make sure you're covered.
This prep helps you manage unexpected
226%
increase in job volumes,
expenses and maintain operations smoothly.
all insured losses
Aim to have a credit line that covers at least
three months of your operational costs for
additional security.
80%
experienced
IRONCLAD PAYMEN T T E R M S slower payments
Define clear payment terms upfront to avoid
disputes and provide smooth cash flow.
(Sample clause: "Payments are due within 30 80%
days of invoice receipt; projects may be paused deployed resources
if payments are delayed beyond this term.") outside their regular
service area
BANK ON S T RO NG B ON DS
Cultivate relationships with banks early on.
67%
failed to meet
When you're knee-deep in a CAT scenario, a
revenue expectations
reliable banking partner and a solid credit line
are lifesavers.
LICENSE UP
Before heading to a new state, verify you have the necessary licenses and insurance
coverage for the work you'll be doing. This includes checking state and regional
regulations and making sure your insurance is updated to reflect your operations in
the area. (Tip: Common licenses you might need include mold remediation, asbestos
removal, and lead paint certification.)
DOCUMENT EV ER YT HIN G
Keep good records of all communications and operations. This will help in the case
of disputes or audits. Make sure you know about industry standards like the S500.
This includes definitions like the "category of water" in hurricanes, which can often be
argued about. Train your team on how to document things during disasters. This will
make sure that the information is accurate and complete.
(Tip: Use digital tools to timestamp and store emails, contract changes, and approvals.)
BALANCE IS KEY
Evaluate your capacity to mobilize teams and equipment
without disrupting your core services. Use the People
Worksheet to assess personnel availability and the Toolbox
Checklist to audit equipment readiness, making sure you have
all necessary resources at hand for any task.
READY-TO-GO CHECKLIST
Before heading out, complete our Field-Ready CAT Prep
Checklist to manage your personal inventory— w hat you’ll
carry with you and what you’ll need at home during your
absence.
CONTINGENCY PLANS
The unexpected is part of the game. Be prepared by
establishing plans to address potential equipment failures
or shortages.
LOCAL ALLIANCES
Build strong connections with local suppliers, subcontractors,
and temp agencies to quickly access necessary equipment,
materials, and manpower. Partner with restoration companies
for efficient and profitable CAT event responses.
Update risk plans regularly: Continually refine your risk management plans to handle
unexpected challenges smoothly.
Opt for fixed-price contracts: Consider phase-based, fixed-price contracts for better
control over finances and fewer disputes.
YES NO
YES NO
YES NO
Proceed to Decline
Profitability Can we hire or acquire the job
additional resources
affordably?
YES NO
YES NO
YES FEASIBLE? NO
chec ive
PROCESS WORKFLOW kl
ide y i s t s
to gu
p repar our C
ation AT
Your process should outline the steps you will take before, during s!
and after a large loss.
List remediation, restoration, and repair resources available: (ex. air movers)
How do we triage
jobs?
What if my credit
cards don’t work?
What’s my path to
collecting payment
on each claim?
How will we
communicate if cell
phones are down?
Do we have a
standard referral
rate and process?
Technicians &
Supervisors
Administrative Staff
Project Managers/
Coordinators
Generators &
Electricity
Gas, Fuel
Tools, tracking
systems, consumables
Specialty Tools / EQ
Hotels /
Accommodations
Transportation
Debris removal /
Disposal
Communicate
Make sure you let key people in your life know the time you will be gone.
Personal packing
Clothes for all climates. Extra items you wear daily (socks, shirts, underwear) in case laundry is not available.
Make sure to have work boots, extra boots and sneakers.
Food / beverages
Pick up foods and beverages you prefer - make sure to pack enough to eat for 2 weeks without other food
available. Remember to get non-perishable items you can eat without cooking in case power is not an option.
Hygiene
Get your hair cut prior to leaving. If you’re on any medications, ensure you have a month’s supply at minimum.
Bring additional toiletries. Bring items to cleanup on the road if there is not any running water.
Sleeping
We will have facilities to sleep in. There may be a delay so bring items in case we need to rest in vehicles,
like a pillow / blanket.
Personal bills
Take care of personal bills prior to leaving. Set items up on autopay where able. If you need to send money
home set up a system prior to leaving.
Identification / background
Make sure you have a valid photo identification. Make sure any outstanding tickets / warrants are satisfied to
ensure no issues on military bases.
Communicate
Remind family, friends, and anyone who needs to know when you are leaving - make sure someone has keys
to your property / vehicle in case it’s needed.
Plan Drills
& Training
Conduct
Drills &
CONTINUOUS Training
TRAINING &
PREPAREDNESS
Update
Plans
Evaluate
Performance
Prioritization and flexibility: Develop a system for prioritizing jobs and be ready
to redirect resources quickly as needs change.
STAY READY
Update strategic plans: Regularly review and update your resource allocation
plans based on real-world experiences.
Verify backup resources: Make sure backup equipment and supply lines are
functional and readily available.
Schedule drills: Conduct regular drills to simulate CAT scenarios and train your
team on effective response strategies.
A MINI-CHECKLIST
Regularly review and update strategic resource plans.
This section dives into building a crew that can handle anything a CAT event throws
their way. We'll cover how to train them up, keep them talking, and get the job done
efficiently, all while prioritizing their well-being.
TRAINING CHAMPS
P R AC T IC E M AKE S P E R F E C T
Run regular drills that mimic real-life CAT
situations. This exposes any gaps in your team's
readiness and helps refine response strategies.
T ALK M AS T E R S
Sharpen those communication skills with training
focused on clear reporting and updates, even
under pressure.
S E N S IT IV E C OM M UN IC AT ION
T R AIN IN G
Equip your team with the skills to engage with
disaster-affected homeowners compassionately.
Teach them to approach interactions with
empathy, focusing on how to offer services
without seeming predatory.
Example script:
“We are deeply sorry for your loss. If you need assistance with
recovery, we’re here to help at your convenience. We work directly
with insurance to ensure you can focus on what matters most.”
TRANSPARENCY IS KEY
Maintain open communication with partners
about your team's capabilities and timelines.
This builds trust and avoids confusion.
ROOM RECON
C AP T UR E E V E R YT HIN G
Use Encircle to take comprehensive photos and
videos of each room, documenting every angle
for a complete visual record.
F AS T E R , F OC US E D N OT E S
Use pre-made Encircle Note Templates to
capture crucial details during initial inspections
and daily wrap-ups.
The detail of your field reports will vary depending on the type of loss and
the degree of damage, but they should always include the following:
LEARN MORE
SEAMLESS S YNCIN G
Download the latest claim data
before hitting the site. Once back
online, Encircle automatically
syncs your updates.
PRO TIPS
MORNING REFRESH
Update your data each day to
keep your team in the loop.
SKET CH LIKE A P R O
Skip the manual measuring and
sketching with Encircle Floor
Plan. This works great for large
teams, allowing one crew member
to map the area while others
capture photos.
Your team's mental well-being is priority one during a CAT event. Here's how to keep them
feeling their best:
Listen up
Be alert to signs of stress and fatigue. Offer timely breaks to maintain resilience.
By focusing on training, communication, on-site efficiency, and well-being, you can build a rock-
solid team that can conquer any CAT challenge.
This section equips you with the tools and strategies to excel in CAT claim
documentation.
We'll guide you through creating robust Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and
using Encircle's technology to streamline data collection and leverage Encircle Floor
Plans.
START
JOB
Receive Job
Accept Job
in Encircle
1 1
Initial Site Visit Job In-Take
Qualify claims remotely
Shares claim with PM to properly using this script
allocate resources and
2 2 reduce liabilities before you are
on site using Encircle Link.
REST
OF JOB
4 4
INSURER
ISSUES
PAYMENT
Moisture Contents Rebuild Get Paid Faster $$
FINISH
JOB
Close job
Consistency is king
Make sure your SOPs apply to all jobs, from small homes to big commercial buildings.
This guarantees thorough documentation for every claim.
Why we doc
Explain the rationale behind each documentation step. Understanding the "why" increases
compliance and appreciation for the SOPs' impact on your company's success.
By following these steps, you'll establish SOPs that streamline documentation, empower your
team, and position your company for success during CAT events.
Quick Tip: Offline Mode makes sure no data is lost, even in areas with
poor connectivity. Work uninterrupted and sync later.
4 Sync data
After returning to an area with internet access, reconnect your device to
Wi-Fi or mobile data. Open the Encircle app to sync the collected data
back to the servers.
Quick Tip: Keep the app open and in the foreground while it syncs to
make sure a complete and uninterrupted data transfer. This step is
crucial to maintaining complete and accurate job records.
When dealing with CAT events, it's important to work quickly and easily. Encircle's Floor Plan
tool can help make your documentation much faster and simpler.
Consistent documentation
Keep your process uniform, whether it’s a typical day or a high-pressure CAT operation.
This consistency minimizes training and errors, making your team's response more effective.
Quick capture
Document properties quickly— w
ithin minutes. This rapid process lets your team cover
more ground, helping more property owners in less time.
Fast turnaround
Floor plans are processed and returned within hours, not days. This swift turnaround
helps you start estimates sooner, speeding up approvals and payments.
Here are some final tips to keep your cash flowing smoothly, even in a disaster:
PLAN LIKE A PR O
Before you jump into a CAT job, do some serious financial planning. Don't overextend
yourself — you’ve got to keep your regular business running, too! Be honest about your
capacity to take on extra work.
M ANAGE RES OU R C E S W IS E LY
Efficient resource management protects profitability and operational success. Don't
take on more than you can handle, or you'll end up stretched thin. Choose CAT jobs that
fit your company's capacity and long-term goals.
This video training series, packed with 3 valuable IICRC CE credits, equips you and your
team to handle any disaster.
Plus, you can watch it on-demand, so you can learn at your pace, on your schedule.
Turn those CAT challenges into opportunities and elevate your business's response game
ACCESS IT NOW!
STORM
Tips, To
ols
Tactics ,
AHEAD
A practical playbook for
restoration pros for CAT success
Congratulations!
You’ve earned
3 IICRC CE credits!
CLAIM MY 3 IICRC CE CREDITS
“The IICRC does not endorse any educational provider, product, offering, or service. The Institute expressly disclaims
responsibility, endorsement or warranty for third-party publications, products, certifications, or instruction.
The approved status does not award IICRC Certification, only qualified continuing education hours.”