Course Outline

FireScene Investigations

Tips & Techniques

(A) The Adjuster

(1) get organized
(i) recommended reading (tba when presented)
(2) understanding trauma
(i) recommended reading (tba wp)
(3) be comfortable with negotiations
(i) recommended reading (tba wp)


B) Technical Preparedness

(1) understanding the chemistry of fire
(i) recommended reading (tba wp)
(2) Loss Logistics
(i) recommended reading (tba wp)
(3) NFPA 921, Guide for Fire & Explosion Investigations
(4) Cooking fires
(5) Subrogation
(6) specific recommended readings (tba wp)

(C) Building & Contents Fire Loss Considerations

(1) structural considerations
(i) recommended reading (tba wp)
(2) damaged wall & ceiling systems considerations
(i) recommended reading (tba wp)
(3) what is "clean", can it be saved?
(i) recommended reading (tba wp)
(4) damage to textiles & Fine Arts considerations
(i) recommended reading (tba wp)

(D) Forensic Primer

(1) "Red Flags"
(i) recommended reading (tba wp)
(2) Suspiciousness - and the ability not to stereotype
(i) recommended reading (tba wp)
(3) The statutory authority of the Fire Marshall
(i) recommended reading (tba wp)
(4) Co-operating with Public Authorities
(5) Specific recommended readings (tba wp)

(E) The Claim

(1) Insurer receives the FNOL
(2) Vendor receives the FNOL
(3) Adjuster receives the assigned FNOL
(4) Adjuster's first 1/2 hour at the loss site
(5) Statements
(6) Review - what do we have, what do we need?
(7) The convergence of the carrier preferred contractors
(8) The "extent" of the loss
(9) The "scope" of the loss
(10) Is the site habitable?
(11) Review again - what do we have, what do we need?
(12) What has the adjuster told the carrier?
(13) Is it time for the estimate?
(14) Is the adjuster "managing" the loss?
(15) Is the vendor "supervising" the loss?
(16) What's happening to the file back at the carrier office?
(17) The adjuster's time to "adjust"
(18) The adjuster's time to "report"
(19) What is a closed file?
(20) The fee
(21) The carrier closes (hopefully) and what else happens?

By Clayton Carr

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