Here are suggestions from the N.C. Department of Insurance on what to do after a storm has passed and damage has been done to your home or vehicle:

1. Contact your agent or insurance company as soon as possible to arrange a visit from an adjuster. The Department of Insurance will have consumer hot line numbers for those who need to contact their companies.

2. Before doing repairs to your house, photograph and list the damage.

3. Protect your home from further damage by making only temporary repairs until your insurance company advises you further. Save receipts for materials purchased for repairs.

4. Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on repair cost.

5. If necessary, rent temporary shelter. If your home is uninhabitable, most policies pay additional living expenses while it is being repaired. Before renting temporary shelter, check with your insurance company or agent to determine what expenses will be reimbursed.

6. Unless you have extra coverage, food lost in a power outage is probably not covered. Consider buying an endorsement to cover food losses.

7. Most damage to your home or surrounding structures from fallen trees is covered. Check with your agent or company before calling a tree removal service; those costs may be covered, too.

8. Damage to your vehicles from fallen trees or debris may be covered by your auto policy. Check with your agent.

9. The Department of Insurance's Consumer Services Division can assist consumers with questions or complaints. Call (919) 733-2032 or toll-free (800) 546-5664, or go online to www.ncdoi.com.

(N.C. DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE)