COLUMN: Take these steps during and after a hurricane

Now that we're into hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, it's important to know what to do during and after the storm.

As I said in a previous column, preparation is the key. Make sure you have adequate homeowners' insurance and a flood insurance policy. If you are renting a house or an apartment, you'll need a renters' policy; the landlord's policy won't cover your personal items.

Here's what you need to do during a storm:

Shelter in place if officials recommend it.

Stay away from windows, glass doors and skylights.

Ride out the storm in the interior of the home on a lower floor unless flooding is possible.

Make sure your cell phone is charged. Don't use a landline if lightning is present.

If flooding becomes a threat, turn off the electricity at the main breaker.

Remain indoors until officials give notice that it's safe to go outside.

If an evacuation is ordered, do not come home until officials advise it is safe to do so.

After the storm passes, when it's safe to go outside, I encourage you to go out and survey your property to see if there is any damage. If there is damage, please beware of roofer and contractor scams.

Most roofers and contractors are honest and above board. Sadly, fraudsters see catastrophes as an opportunity to take advantage of people in a vulnerable time.

One of the best ways to avoid such scams is to only work with licensed and insured contractors. If you suspect fraud, you may report it to the Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840 or toll free from anywhere in North Carolina at 888-680-7684. You may also report it online at www.ncdoi.gov.

If you have damage, I recommend taking the following steps:

Contact your homeowners' insurance agent or company to report the loss. Even if you have a separate windstorm or hail policy in addition to your homeowner's policy, your primary homeowners' insurer will investigate and adjust the claim even if you have wind or hail loss. Be patient as the insurer will likely be dealing with many claims.

Make a list of the damage and take clear pictures before you make any temporary repairs.

Do what you can to stop further damage from happening. For example, if there is damage to your roof, you may want to place a tarp on it to prevent water from coming into the house. Keep receipts because your reasonable expenses to protect your property are part of the loss and may be reimbursed by your insurance company.

Do not make permanent repairs until your insurance company has inspected the damage and you have agreed on the cost of the repairs.

If your home is uninhabitable, check with your insurance company to determine which expenses will be reimbursed. Again, please keep your receipts.

For more information, visit www.ncdoi.gov/disaster or contact the Department of Insurance Consumer Services Division at 855-408-1212.