Catastrophe Claim Field Inspection Protocol

Rapid field inspection template for catastrophe (CAT) claims to document property damage, life-safety hazards, access constraints, and immediate mitigation needs under compressed timelines.

Inspection Details

• Claim number recorded
• Inspection date and time
• Property address confirmed
• Weather or disaster event type
• Occupancy status at time of inspection
• Primary contact on site

Life-Safety and Entry Hazards

• Structural instability visible
  Check for sagging roofs, leaning walls, collapsed sections, or other signs of imminent structural failure.
• Downed power lines or exposed electrical conductors present
  Document any energized or potentially energized electrical hazards near the structure or access path.
• Standing water, flood contamination, or slip hazard at entry
  Assess whether water depth, contamination, or debris creates a hazardous entry condition.
• Gas odor, active leak indicators, or fire/smoke conditions present
  Note any odor of gas, hissing, smoke, soot, or signs of active combustion requiring immediate evacuation or emergency response.
• Safe access path available
  Confirm a clear, stable route to the inspection area without blocked stairs, debris piles, or unstable surfaces.
• PPE used for site conditions
  Record PPE appropriate to the hazard profile, such as gloves, eye protection, hard hat, respirator, waterproof boots, or high-visibility vest.

Exterior Damage Assessment

• Roof covering damage observed
  Record missing shingles, lifted membrane, punctures, torn flashing, or impact damage.
• Windows, doors, or openings compromised
  Note broken glazing, missing doors, boarded openings, or breaches that allow water intrusion or unauthorized entry.
• Siding, cladding, or exterior envelope damage observed
  Document detached panels, punctures, cracks, missing sections, or impact-related damage.
• Foundation, slab, or settlement damage observed
  Look for cracks, displacement, undermining, or visible movement affecting structural integrity.
• Debris field or impact source documented
  Identify fallen trees, windborne debris, hail accumulation, or other impact evidence supporting the loss narrative.
• Exterior damage severity estimate
  Provide a quick severity rating for triage and assignment priority.

Interior Damage Assessment

• Interior water intrusion observed
  Note active leaks, wet ceilings, wet walls, saturated flooring, or signs of recent intrusion.
• Smoke, soot, or fire damage observed
  Document soot deposition, odor, heat damage, charring, or fire suppression residue.
• Ceiling, wall, or floor damage observed
  Record collapsed ceiling sections, cracked drywall, buckled flooring, or other interior building damage.
• Contents damage observed
  Capture damage to furniture, appliances, electronics, inventory, or personal property as applicable.
• Utilities appear compromised
  Note loss of power, visible electrical damage, damaged HVAC, plumbing failure, or other utility interruptions affecting habitability.
• Interior affected area estimate
  Estimate the approximate area affected by the loss.

Temporary Mitigation and Access Controls

• Temporary protective measures in place
  Record tarping, board-up, water extraction, dehumidification, fencing, or other mitigation already completed.
• Additional mitigation needed
  Identify whether emergency services, board-up, roof tarp, drying, debris removal, or utility shutoff coordination is needed.
• Access restrictions or unsafe areas marked
  Document blocked rooms, cordoned areas, or sections that could not be inspected due to hazard conditions.
• Immediate follow-up priority
  Select the urgency level for claim handling and restoration coordination.

Documentation and Sign-Off

• Photo evidence captured for key findings
  Confirm photos were taken for major damage, hazards, and mitigation needs.
• Inspection notes complete and legible
  Ensure the narrative supports the observed conditions, scope triage, and any limitations on access.
• Recommended next action
  Summarize the next step for the claim file.
• Inspector signature