Crocodile Jane

For the next day or two, I'll try to explain what I do on a claim. If this was a normal storm instead of the storm of the century, I would have been able to learn how to do a claim from start to finish. But with 101 claims, it has been important that Lana and I do just an initial inspection, and explain to the insured that we will be returning later to get more measurements and information.
So right now, when I get to the location, the first thing I do is drawings of all sides of the house. Sounds easy, doesn't it? But consider that we aren't talking about recently mowed, neat lawns. Trees all over the place, weeds and grass growing taller every day. The first claim I went out on was a doctor's house and existing structures, spread out over 11 acres. I was so proud of myself as I strided confidentially through bushes, over trees, and other assorted debris on the ground. I reached a clearing where, unusually, there wasn't a lot of stuff on the ground. As I was mentally congratulating myself for my jungle skills, calling myself Crocodile Jane, I tripped over a twig and fell flat on my face. Nothing hurt unless you count the grass stains on my slacks. (btw, Oxi Clean Laundry Stain Remover takes out all sorts of stains). So much for my grace.
Speaking of crocodiles, I have been wondering a bit about the famed Louisiana alligators. A whole lot of the homes we are going to back up to bayous. And many have swimming pools (the homes, not the bayous!). I asked one homeowner if they ever found an alligator in their pool. Her answer was reassuring. "Honey," she said. "If I ever found an alligator in my pool, I would never go into the back yard again". That was the answer I wanted to hear! Except.....
what I've found out is alligators are no big deal to these people. But I've had at least two homeowners casually mention to keep an eye out for the cottonmouth water mocassins....that they had already seen several in their backyard in the past week. I hated how casually this was mentioned. Casual is ok for a comment like "Be careful of the cactus".....or, "My, aren't the mosquitos bad?" "Casual" is not ok for telling me about poisonous snakes. Now instead of listening for the gnashing of teeth, I'm listening for the sounds of grass moving. It has made me learn to do the drawings much more quickly.
Speaking of the drawings, I'll have to tell you about those on another day. Right now, it's back to the paperwork and dreams of Amazon boa constrictors.