Adjuster Guide: Preparing for Storm Season 2018
Predictions are in for the 2018 Storm Season. Now is the time to prepare for anything and everything that can happen when you get the call for deployment. We have a lot to cover so let’s just skip the formal intro and get to it…
2018 Storm Season Predictions
Researchers at Colorado State University have predicted the 2018 storm season to be “slightly above average”. The researchers predict 14 named storms, 7 of which being hurricanes- 3 of those hurricanes to be major CAT events. You want to be prepared to the maximum degree for this year’s storm season. Find out more information about the CSU 35th annual hurricane season forecast.
Licensing
During a CAT event, some states do implement emergency licensing protocols allowing more adjusters to handle claims in the area, but that shouldn’t be the expected scenario. It is better to obtain a license that is reciprocal in states vulnerable to major storms. If your base state does not require an adjuster license, you can get a non-resident adjuster license from a different state. One state that is popular for obtaining this type of license is Florida.
FL-DHS Adjuster License
The FL-Designated Home State (DHS) Adjuster License, for example, is a license available for adjusters where their resident state does not require an adjuster license. The FL-DHS license is reciprocal is most states requiring an adjuster license, except NY, CA, and HI that require their own state specific license to operate. You can find more information on how to obtain the FL-DHS license and the states that except it in lieu of their own state license by clicking right here.
If you do hold a state adjuster license and don’t want to go through the process of obtaining an additional license, you still have a few things to check on:
- Your adjuster license is valid and your CE credit requirements are met
- Know what states will accept your state adjuster license.
- Know the types of claims you can accept with the license you hold – (property, flood, liability, etc.) Some states do require different licenses to handle certain claims.
Vehicle Maintenance
Is your vehicle ready to dash across a few states to get to an area hit by a CAT event? When was the last time you checked your spare tire? Safety should be a high priority when preparing for storm season and that should also include your vehicle. Here is a quick check list for your vehicle:
- Spare tire has not expired. Yes, they can expire and be completely unusable so make sure it is up-to-date.
- Have an emergency kit in your car. If you have one, check to see if any items need to be replaced. Your emergency kit should have enough provisions to help you survive for a few days. In a CAT situation, you never know what can happen, so be prepared.
- Have a first aid kit.
- Check you have a set of jumper cables that are not damaged and know how to use them. If you don’t know how to use jumper cables, it’s time to jump on the world wide web and learn how.
- Have your vehicle inspected by your mechanic to make sure you don’t have any significant issues that would prevent you from driving it long distance – i.e.: brakes, tires, oil, transmission, etc.
Adjuster Equipment & Tools
Staying on the topic of maintenance, when was the last time you checked your inspection equipment? Your equipment is susceptible to wear and tear. Safety is high priority and an injury is the last thing you want to happen when you are on deployment. Go through each piece of equipment (including your boots, clothing, and protective eye-wear) and examine it closely for any wear or tear and replace equipment that can compromise your safety.
When it comes to your tools like shingle gauges, pitch gauges, measuring equipment, cameras, laptops, cables, USB drives, etc., you want to -1. have the tools you need, and 2. have backups of certain tools. Tools like shingle gauges, measuring tape, and USB drives tend to disappear more than others. It’s always good to have backups of tools that frequently go to that mysterious place where they are never seen again. Next up, make sure your camera, phone, laptop, tablet, anything mechanical that is used to handle claims is up-to-date and good to go.
Your Contact Information is Current
Making sure your contact information is up to date is extremely important. Dispatch can’t deploy you to a CAT event if they can’t get a hold of you. Check all your information on file is current. This includes your licensing information (if applicable), current address, phone numbers, email address, and availability. Last thing, always check your email. When a CAT event is expected, an email is the first notice sent to prepare adjusters for possible deployment.
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This is the basic list of information to help you prepare for the 2018 storm season, and we will leave you to it. Getting prepared now will save you from major time delays and headache in the future. Don’t forget to stay on top of your emails for deployment notifications and keep an eye on the weather reports. AAN, Inc will keep you updated.
If you are an independent adjuster and not part of the AAN, Inc Nation Wide Adjuster Roster, what are you waiting for? Get in contact with our recruiting manager, Ben, at bbarker@aanadjusters.com today!