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Catastrophe RestorationSafety for Restoration Contractors

Technical Tip Tuesday Presented by Paul Davis Restoration

The First 10 Minutes: How Technicians Establish Control on CAT Loss Sites

John Reasoner shares why safety and structural stabilization come before any inspection, unloading, or equipment setup during CAT response.

By Kayla McGowan
February 17, 2026

Welcome back to a new series of Technical Tip Tuesday. This month's series is Catastrophe Preparedness. We’re joined by John Reasoner, Senior Director of Catastrophe Services at Paul Davis Restoration, and he breaks down how technicians can create control and stability the moment they arrive on site.

This may seem straightforward, but as John explains, the first 10 minutes of a CAT loss are often the most unpredictable. Hurricanes, flooding, and major storms can compromise structures in ways that aren’t always visible. That’s why the starting point is simple:

Safety first. Always.

Before your teams ever begin their inspection, unload, or set up equipment, they must confirm that the site is safe to enter. Structural instability, electrical hazards, falling debris, or unexpected intrusion points can be present even when damage looks minimal from the outside.

Once safety is established, the next priority is stabilizing the property by securing the building envelope. 

For this month’s series, our goal is simple: prepare restorers to respond confidently and efficiently when catastrophe strikes.

Thank you tuning in for this week’s tip. We will see you next week!

More Tips in This Series

  • The First 10 Minutes: How Technicians Establish Control on CAT Loss Sites
  • CAT Planning and 3D Documentation Essentials
  • Essential Safety Habits for CAT Response
  • Communicating With Customers During CAT Events: Dos and Don’ts for Restorers
  • Why Documentation Is Critical During Catastrophe Response

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KEYWORDS: disaster response Technical Tip Tuesday

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Kayla mcgowan author

Kayla McGowan is the Editor-in-Chief of R&R Magazine, with 10 years of experience in marketing and communications in the restoration and cleaning industry. She leads the editorial strategy for R&R and The Experience Events, creating content that informs and connects industry professionals. 

Kayla holds a B.S. in Criminal Science and M.S. in Public Safety and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. She serves as Co-Chair on the RIA’s Marketing Committee.

Kayla is a Microbial Warrior®, a Certified Forensic Operator® and a High Risk/ High Level Decontamination Specialist™. Kayla is passionate about elevating the industry, is a food lover, enjoys spending time with her family, and embracing the outdoors.

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