(What You Must Carry, Know, and Do Before Every Day in the Field)**
Successful inspectors are prepared before they ever leave the house. This lesson provides a complete, NMFS-approved daily checklist that ensures you have the tools, supplies, and information needed to complete inspections accurately, safely, and efficiently.
1. Phone Readiness
Your phone is your most important tool.
Before leaving:
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Charge your phone to 90–100%
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Ensure GPS/location services are ON
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Clean your camera lens
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Verify InspectorADE is logged in
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Test the camera (make sure it focuses)
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Make sure you have mobile data / signal coverage
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Disable battery-saver modes that block GPS
If your phone isn’t ready, your inspection isn’t ready.
2. InspectorADE Readiness
Inside the app:
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Open your job list
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Download today’s work orders (helps if you lose signal)
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Check for urgent items
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Read notes for each inspection
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Confirm due dates
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Confirm any special instructions
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Make sure GPS tracking is allowed
A quick 5-minute review can prevent major mistakes.
3. Supplies You SHOULD Carry
Every inspector should have:
Required
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Phone (charged, GPS enabled)
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“Confidential” envelopes (plain white, windowless)
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Pen or marker to write “Confidential”
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Printed notices (optional, can also open on phone)
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Safety vest (recommended for rough neighborhoods & traffic areas)
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Flashlight (small phone-sized is fine)
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Shoes with good traction
Optional but Helpful
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Clipboard or folder
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External phone battery pack
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Screen cloth for camera lens
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Umbrella or poncho
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Phone tripod or stabilizer
- Tazer
These items save time and improve documentation.
4. Personal Preparation
Before starting the day:
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Wear clean, non-threatening, neutral clothing
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Avoid logos, political statements, or graphic designs
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Bring water/snacks
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Plan your route to avoid backtracking
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Check weather for the day (important for photo quality)
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Make sure your vehicle has gas
Presentation and planning matter.
5. Vehicle Preparation
Your vehicle should:
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Have enough gas for the day
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Be in good working order
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Have tires properly inflated
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Have windows clean (for drive-by photos)
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Be parked legally and safely at job sites
A reliable vehicle keeps you efficient.
6. Safety Readiness
For your protection:
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Know which inspections are in rough or remote areas
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Avoid dusk/dark when possible
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Keep your phone charged and accessible
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Trust your instincts
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Have emergency numbers saved
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Tell someone your route if you’re inspecting remote areas
Your safety is always the priority.
7. Route Planning
Plan your day for:
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Efficiency
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Daylight
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Weather
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Neighborhood safety
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Due dates
Use mapping tools (Google Maps, Waze, etc.) to plan the optimal route.
8. Mental Checklist Before Approaching ANY Property
Before stepping out of your car, quickly ask:
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Is it safe?
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Do I see dogs?
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Do I see hazards?
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Can I reach the front door?
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Do I have everything I need (phone, envelopes, etc.)?
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Do I understand this inspection type?
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Did I review the work order instructions?
This 15-second check prevents 90% of on-site issues.
9. During-the-Day Reset Check
Every few inspections:
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Clean phone lens
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Check battery %
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Upload completed inspections if signal is strong
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Hydrate
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Review remaining jobs
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Confirm next special instructions
Small resets improve quality.
10. End-of-Day Checklist
When your inspections are complete:
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Ensure all reports are submitted
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Confirm no pending uploads
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Respond to any requested corrections
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Plug in your phone
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Refill envelopes and supplies
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Prepare next day’s route if jobs already assigned
Consistency keeps your approval rating high.
Summary
Every day before you begin inspecting, you should:
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Prepare your phone
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Prepare InspectorADE
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Gather required supplies
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Prepare your vehicle
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Dress professionally
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Check safety conditions
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Plan your route
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Double-check each work order
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Reset periodically during the day
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End with submission and prep for tomorrow
A prepared inspector is a successful inspector.