Bread, check. Milk, check. Wine, check. Evacuation route, check.
Coastal residents who might be affected by Hurricane Earl likely have the essentials taken care.
But the Triangle Troubleshooter is looking out for you in ways you may not be thinking of, both before and after the storm.
Before the storm
Gather important paperwork, including insurance policies, medical records and prescriptions.
Make a list of household items and gather receipts in case you have to make an insurance claim.
Know what your insurance policy covers. Homeowner's policies do not cover flooding. Flood insurance must be purchased from the National Flood Insurance Program, and it must be in place for 30 days before coverage takes effect. (So, you're out of luck for this storm.)
The Department of Insurance's Consumer Services Division can help you with insurance questions or complaints. Call 919-807-6750 or 1-800-546-5664.
After the storm
There are several things to watch out for.
Downed trees, limbs and home damage bring out entrepreneurial folks looking for opportunities to take your cash. Not all have good intentions.
I know it can be emotional to see your home damaged, but Troubleshooter advises you to take it one step at a time and don't do anything foolish.
For any damage to your home or car, contact your insurance company. Some require an adjuster's approval before work can be done.
If you need to hire a company to fix your roof or remove downed trees and limbs from your yard, I advise you not to use someone who comes to your door. And certainly don't cave to high-pressure offers. After all, some non-flood damage to your home is covered by your homeowner's policy.
Before you hire a company, research and check ratings on websites like Angie's List ( www.angieslist.com) or ask neighbors for recommendations.
Get at least three written estimates for the work.
Once you pick the company, make sure their workers are insured. If one gets hurt on your property without insurance, you can be liable.
Do not pay for work up front. Inspect the work and make sure you are satisfied before you pay.
If a reasonable down payment is required, don't pay anything until you get a written contract specifically listing the work to be done. Avoid paying cash.
Pool neighbors who have similar damage together and ask for a group discount.
Damage to your car resulting from fallen trees may be covered by your auto policy. Check with your agent.
For car repairs, always get a second opinion.
Beware of charity scams that make phony pleas for donations after the storm. Report scams and frauds to the N.C. Attorney General's office by calling 877-566-7226 or file a consumer complaint at www.ncdoj.gov. To verify a charity, call the Secretary of State's office at 888-830-4989.
This one is obvious, but Troubleshooter has to cover all bases: Do not touch downed power lines. Call your utility company for assistance. Duke Energy: 800-769-3766; Progress Energy: 800-419-6356.
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