Column: What to do during and after a hurricane

Previously, I've encouraged people across North Carolina to make sure they're prepared for hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.

I've urged them to make sure they have adequate homeowners' insurance, including a flood insurance policy and reminded renters that they need a renters' insurance policy, as the landlord's policy won't cover their personal items.

I also reminded North Carolinians to compile important documents, such as insurance policies and medical records, create a home inventory, identify potential hazards around your home and have an emergency toolkit and go-to bags ready in case you need to evacuate your home.

Today, I want to concentrate on what to do if a hurricane, or any other storm, is approaching. Here's what to do during a storm:

Shelter in place if officials advise it.Stay away from windows, glass doors and skylights.Find a safe place to stay in the interior of the home on a lower floor unless flooding is possible.Make sure your cell phone is charged. Do not use a landline if lightning is present.Turn off the electricity at the main breaker if flooding becomes a threat.Remain indoors until officials give notice that it is safe to go outside.If officials order an evacuation, do not come home until officials advise it is safe to do so.

Once the storm is over, if there is damage to your home, I encourage you to beware of roofer and contractor scams. Most roofers and contractors are honest and above board. Sadly, fraudsters see catastrophes as an opportunity to take .

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 from a storm, here are some things you should do:

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.

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