What's in my CAT Go Bag?

When disaster strikes, there's no time to waste. Whether it's a hurricane, flood, or wildfire, being prepared for CAT (Catastrophe) Duty is essential for both restoration professionals and adjusters alike. In this special interview, Darrell Grenz, Business Development Manager at Paul Davis Restoration, sits down with veteran Executive General Adjuster Nancy Greenidge from Crawford GTS to discuss what it really takes to be ready for CAT Duty. From packing the perfect “go bag” to the seamless collaboration between Paul Davis Restoration and Crawford adjusters, Darrell and Nancy dive into the strategies that make their partnership thrive when the stakes are high.?

Darrell (Paul Davis Restoration BDM): Nancy, thanks for joining me today to talk about something near and dear to all of us in the restoration industry—CAT Duty. As a seasoned adjuster, you’ve probably seen it all, but I’d love to hear from you: what do you think is absolutely essential in being prepared for CAT Duty??

Nancy Greenidge (Crawford GTS EGA): Oh, Darrell, you’re right. CAT Duty is no joke, and preparation is everything. If you’re not prepared, the chaos can easily get the better of you. One of the first things I always recommend is a fully stocked “go bag”—you need to be ready to hit the ground running when disaster strikes.?

Darrell: A go bag, huh? It’s kind of like how we prepare at Paul Davis Restoration, right? Always ready to deploy at a moment’s notice with everything in place. What’s in that magic bag of yours??

Nancy: Exactly! You guys at Paul Davis really do a great job staying ready for anything, especially during CAT events. My go bag includes essentials like extra clothing, boots, toiletries—basically everything to live on the road for weeks. But it’s not just about personal items; you need your tech gear too. Laptops, chargers, and Wi-Fi hotspots—because if you’re not connected, you’re not working.?

Darrell: (laughing) Sounds like you’re running a mobile office out of that bag! It’s similar to how we operate at Paul Davis. Our teams are equipped to set up mobile command centers wherever they’re needed. The synergy between our restoration services and adjusters like you really shows when we’re both ready to tackle these large-scale disasters.?

Nancy: Absolutely, and Crawford’s adjusters are just as ready to go. I think that’s where our partnership works so well—both sides know the importance of being agile and quick to respond. You guys at Paul Davis often have boots on the ground before we even arrive, which makes our jobs easier.?

Darrell: That’s the idea! We focus on stabilizing the situation so that when adjusters like you show up, we’re already on the same page, ready to restore and rebuild. But back to your go bag—what else do you pack that might surprise people??

Nancy: (laughs) Well, I always bring a couple of protein bars and snacks because trust me, you never know when your next meal will be. CAT Duty is unpredictable, so a little comfort food goes a long way. Oh, and a good flashlight—power outages are part of the gig.?

Darrell: Sounds like you’ve thought of everything. It’s almost like CAT Duty is a shared marathon for both adjusters and restoration teams. Crawford and Paul Davis have a unique relationship, where it’s not just about handling the immediate damage, but being prepared for the long haul too.?

Nancy: That’s right. The way we work together brings the best of both worlds. You’ve got the restoration experts at Paul Davis doing their thing while we adjusters assess and coordinate. It’s a well-oiled machine when everyone’s prepared.?

Darrell: Couldn’t agree more. Well, Nancy, thanks for the insights on your go bag and your experience. Next time you’re on CAT Duty, maybe you’ll see our Paul Davis team already in action when you arrive!?

Nancy: (laughing) I’ll be sure to wave! Thanks, Darrell.?

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For anyone gearing up for CAT duty, here’s a breakdown of what I bring with me every time, and why these essentials matter.?

1. The Tech Kit:?You’ll be relying heavily on your electronics to stay in touch and manage claims, so keeping everything powered and protected is crucial.?

• Laptop & Charger: This is your lifeline to managing claims. Make sure it's fully charged and packed first.?

• Portable Power Bank: CAT zones often have limited access to power, so having a good power bank can keep your phone and devices charged.?

• Wi-Fi Hotspot: Reliable internet can be spotty in disaster zones. A portable hotspot ensures you stay connected when you need it most.?

• Extra Charging Cables: Trust me, one cable is never enough. Bring spares.?

2. The Essentials: You never know what the conditions will be, so having basics that can help you stay on track is key.?

• Notebook & Pen: While most things are digital now, I still like to jot down quick notes on the go. Sometimes, old-school is the best school.?

• Hard Copies of Important Docs: From hotel confirmations to maps of affected areas, I always print backups. Technology is great, but it can fail.?

• Business Cards: You’ll meet a lot of people—adjusters, clients, emergency workers. Having a professional way to connect is always handy.?

3. Clothing & Footwear:?CAT duty isn’t glamorous, and conditions can vary widely. Comfort and durability are essential.?

• Waterproof Boots & Shoes: You might be wading through floodwaters or walking through debris. Durable, waterproof footwear is a must.?

• Comfortable Clothes: I pack lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts and pants. Multiple layers help with changing weather.?

• Rain Gear: A reliable rain jacket and pants can keep you dry when the weather turns rough.?

• Hat & Sunglasses: Especially important when working long hours outdoors. Protect yourself from the elements.?

4. Health & Safety Gear: Your well-being is crucial when you’re working in a high-stress environment.?

• N95 Masks: Air quality can be poor in disaster zones, especially after wildfires.?

• First Aid Kit: A small, basic kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.?

• Hand Sanitizer & Wipes: Hygiene can be tough in CAT zones, so having these is non-negotiable.?

• Bug Spray & Sunscreen: You’ll spend a lot of time outdoors, so protect your skin from the sun and bugs.?

• Snacks & Water: Hydration and energy are crucial. I always bring protein bars and a reusable water bottle to get me through the long days.?

• Gloves: Protect your hands from sharp objects, debris, or other hazards in the field.?

• Hard Hat & Safety Vest: In high-risk areas, safety is the top priority. These will keep you visible and protected when walking around damaged sites.?

5. Personal Comfort: When you're out on CAT duty, the little things that bring comfort can keep you grounded.?

• Earplugs: Sometimes you need to grab a nap in noisy areas. These help me get some rest, no matter where I am.?

• Travel Pillow & Blanket: If you’re waiting for long periods or sleeping in unexpected places, having these makes a huge difference.?

• Toiletries: Pack travel-sized items—deodorant, toothpaste, etc. They help you stay fresh, even in long shifts.?

6. Backup Identification & Insurance Information:?Keep a secondary form of ID and copies of your insurance details (both personal and professional) in a secure, accessible location in your go bag. It’s a small detail, but in an emergency, it can be a lifesaver.?

7. Work Tools:?When you’re on-site assessing damage, having the right tools can make a big difference in how efficiently you can get the job done.?

• Tape Measure: Essential for measuring room sizes, damage distances, or large structural issues.?

• Small Hammer: Handy for minor tasks and inspecting structural integrity.?

• Flathead Screwdriver: For any quick fixes or to access areas behind panels.?

• Multi-tool: A good multi-tool combines several handy functions in one, saving space and time.?

• Plastic Tarp: Useful for covering exposed areas or protecting belongings from further damage.?

• Spray Cleaner & Cloth: These are crucial for wiping VINs or other identifying information when checking vehicles and equipment.?

Final Thoughts: CAT duty isn’t just about handling claims; it’s about being adaptable, staying safe, and being prepared for anything. The more ready you are, the better you can serve those impacted by the disaster and get them back on their feet quickly. A well-packed go bag ensures that when you’re in the field, you can focus on what matters—helping people rebuild their lives.?

Stay safe out there, and if you’re heading out on CAT duty for the first time, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re all in this together!