HARTFORD — Town officials participated in a disaster training exercise  Saturday led by preparedness consultant Scott Parker.

The scenario was a large tornado causing severe damage to several towns.

Parker was recently in New York City with the Federal Emergency Management Agency helping victims of Hurricane Sandy that struck that area in late October. He said among the problems they face are cars being destroyed along with insurance and registration papers inside them. Also, many homes were destroyed, along with insurance papers and mortgage information inside.

He said such documents should be kept in a safe place and easily accessible in case fire or other emergency. He also advised that if cars are not registered, inspected and covered by liability insurance FEMA will not pay for their loss.

Also, FEMA severely limits aid to flood victims who live in a designated flood plain and do not have flood insurance, he said.

Parker urged people to read the fine print in their home insurance policies and know what is and is not covered. He said he dealt with many victims who did not have the coverage they thought they had.

Parker said Maine is much better off than the big cities, because people know each other and can reach out and help. In the case of New York City, few people knew their neighbors and they had few resources to share, he said.

Also, he said, storm warnings are widely publicized on TV and radio and Mainers are generally tuned in to what is happening

Parker urged people to visit the Oxford County EMA website, or contact their local EMA director for guidance on preparing for an emergency.

Paris served six years as Oxford County Emergency Management director. In addition to conducting preparedness training for schools, hospitals, businesses and towns, he responds to national disasters with FEMA.

Hartford has an Emergency Operation Plan that covers all types of disasters. A federal Homeland Security Department grant paid for the training session.

The session was attended by Selectmen Zoe Cowett and Jack Plumley, Constable Chuck Merritt, Deputy Clerk Barbara Robinson and EMA Director Tom Standard.

Editor’s note: Tom Standard is the husband of Mary Standard.