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Maine, comes to mind when one thinks of the disastrous El Nino effect. The tornadoes, floods, ice storms, hail and other weather disturbances of the winter and spring of 1997-1998 left homeowners and business operators across America picking up the pieces and running around insurance companies. If you were inadequately insured for the kind of damages people in Maine faced with the El Nino, then, it is not too late to start.

The insurance department for the state of Maine offers an "Insurance Consumer Alert" which is intended to provide Americans with all the basic information needed to cope with the aftermath of El Nino. The Alert will offer you some tips and guidelines on what to do and how if you are among the ones who have suffered losses in this calamity. And for those who have so far escaped weather-related problems, the "Alert" explains what steps to take now in order to be prepared in the future.

Why is El Nino such a concern?

It is a worry for people based in Maine because it is a potent combination of floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and other conditions, which are most destructive in a serious way and on an infrequent basis.

Get ready for bad weather

When flash flooding occurred in 1997, only about 10 percent of the homes here were covered by the National Flood Insurance Program. Widespread flooding resulted in 20 deaths and thousands of people being left homeless.

What can you do to prepare for a weather-related disaster? Here are some tips:

1. Review your insurance coverage to make sure it is adequate. Hurricane damage is covered under most standard homeowner's policies, but it is important to insure your home and belongings to their full replacement cost. To get the additional flood cover, contact the National Flood Insurance Program. If you have rented a home then consult your agent on the advantages of purchasing a renter's insurance.
2. Study facts about flood insurance. You can protect your home, business, and belongings with flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program. You can insure your home with flood insurance for up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for your contents. The average flood insurance policy costs about $300 a year for about $100,000 of coverage. (A disaster home loan can cost you more than $300 a month for $50,000 over 18.5 years!) You can buy the flood insurance policy from insurance companies and agents. Irrespective of whether you rent or own your home or business, ensure that you know the fine print on the coverage of contents. It is not automatically included with the NFIP building coverage. There is usually a 30-day waiting period before the flood coverage goes into effect. For more information, contact NFIP at 1-800/638-6620 or visit them at on the Web.
3. Plan now if you want a claim in the future. Itemize your personal property, including all model names and serial numbers. Do not neglect or forget to list the items you use rarely and store in unfrequented places. Attach sales receipts and photograph or videotape each room. Store the information off the premises, such as at work or in a bank safe deposit box. Keep readily at hand the telephone numbers of your insurance agent, your insurance company's local claims office, and its home office.

Assaulted by bad weather? Here’s what you can do

1. Contact your insurance company to report your loss. If you have flood insurance, call your insurance agent to report your claim. The agent will prepare a Notice of Loss form and an adjuster will be assigned to assist you. Follow the instructions given to you by the claims personnel.
2. Photograph the entire premises, thus indicating the flooding and the consequent damage. Also, photograph the interiors of the premises to show the degree of damage and the height of the water.
3. Figure out extent of damage. Separate the damaged from the rest of the property and arrange it for the adjuster's examination. If possible, protect the property from further damage.
4. Do not undertake repair or replace your loss without first getting instructions from your adjuster since your insurer's inspection of your loss may be necessary before repairs are undertaken. Your adjuster may like to examine all damaged property too, so you would be careful enough not to discard it immediately. If your home is damaged, make only temporary repairs until a claims adjuster has looked at it.