Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • CATASTROPHE
  • TOPICS
    • Architecture
    • Cleaning & Sanitation
    • Contamination
    • Contractor Safety
    • Contents
    • Fire & Smoke
    • Mold
    • Odor
    • Recon & Reno
    • Water
  • EDUCATION
    • Training & Education
    • Business Management
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
    • Industry Events
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ask Annissa
    • Marketing Monday
    • Tech Tip Tuesday
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Convention & Trade Show
  • ABOUT
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
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
KEYWORDS: disaster response Technical Tip Tuesday

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

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.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Business team analyzing financial data on digital tablets during a meeting

    7 Trends Influencing the Restoration Industry in 2026

    With market uncertainty, workforce transitions, new...
    Managing Your Restoration Business
    By: Oscar Collins
  • mold remediation

    Fighting Mold and Bacteria Damage

    Successful mold remediation can be multidisciplinary,...
    Mold Remediation
    By: Josh Woolen
  • certifications and licenses for restoration professionals

    Certifications and Licenses Every Restoration Company Needs

    Restoration companies need to make sure they have the...
    Restoration Training/Education
    By: Sharon Elzarat
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Manage My Account
  • Newsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Popular Stories

Odor from Air Conditioner

Why Smoke Odors Return After Fire Damage Restoration

Physical removal in action

Physical Removal in Restoration: The Science Behind Effective Cleaning

Flood remediation tubes

How Commercial and Residential Restoration Equipment Differ

Submit Your New Product/Technology to R&R!

Would you like to promote a new restoration, remediation or cleaning product/technology with Restoration & Remediation? Fill out the question below to start your submission:

Events

April 27, 2026

RIA Convention & Expo

This event empowers professionals through world-class education, powerful networking, and access to cutting-edge tools and services.

May 19, 2026

Hurricane Response: What’s Changed, Who’s at Risk, and How to Scale Without Breaking

Hurricane season isn’t what it used to be, and neither is disaster response. In this webinar, an expert‑led panel will break down what’s changed for hurricane response, and how restorers can scale responsibly without sacrificing their safety, retention, or profitability.

September 9, 2026

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoThe Experience Convention and Trade Show unites the cleaning, restoration, inspection, indoor air quality, and HVAC industries through hands-on education, live demonstrations, and high-impact networking. Attendees gain practical skills, business insight, and connections that elevate industry standards and drive growth.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Causes of Job Disruptions

What issues currently disrupt your job progress the most after work begins?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary.

See More Products
Prepare for CATASTROPHE with R&R!

Related Articles

  • Technical Tip Tuesday: Communicating With Customers During CAT Events: Dos and Don’ts for Restorers

    Communicating With Customers During CAT Events: Do's and Don’ts for Restorers

    See More
  • Ask the Expert - The Future of AI in Restoration: How Technology Is Transforming the Industry

    The Future of AI in Restoration: How Technology Is Transforming the Industry

    See More
  • Ask the Expert: How the Restoration Golf League Builds Connections and Networking in the Restoration Industry

    How the Restoration Golf League Builds Connections and Networking in the Restoration Industry

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • COVER pdf.jpg

    How to Get More Restoration Jobs in 14 Days... (ebook)

  • Cover.jpg

    How To Get More Water Damage Jobs (ebook)

See More Products
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our newsletters.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Submit a Press Release
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • Newsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2026. All Rights Reserved BNP Media, Inc. and BNP Media II, LLC.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing