Tips on avoiding storm repair scams

HARLINGEN - After a hurricane or other major storm, homeowners need to act quickly to secure their house and prevent additional harm caused by roof damage or standing water.

Property owners need to contact their insurance company, but can take initial steps to protect their homes, such as tying tarps or plastic sheeting over damaged roofs, said Michael Huckabee, executive director of the South Texas Chapter of the American Red Cross.

The Red Cross distributes cleaning kits that consist of items such as brooms, mops, pails and sponges for use after storms, he said.

"If we are able, we likely would get out to you (in areas where damage has occurred)," Huckabee said. "We work hand-in-hand with cities and counties."

The Red Cross, Salvation Army, the National Guard and other agencies coordinate their efforts to ensure staffs, volunteers and available supplies are used effectively, he said.

Homeowners can tack plywood over broken windows and turn off water or gas lines if damage has occurred to those systems until qualified repair technicians are available.

Caution should be taken to avoid shock from downed electrical wires or to avoid causing natural gas or propane explosions, emergency officials advise. Gas company workers need to be called if fumes are detected.

The Texas Department of Insurance advises quick contact with the homeowner's insurance company.

"If you need information, have a complaint or can't locate your agent or company, call the department at 1-800-852-5246 or 1-800-252-3439.

"Make only emergency repairs to protect your property until an insurance adjuster inspects the damages," the agency said in a news release.

"Save all receipts (for emergency repair supplies, equipment rental or building materials such as plywood)," the insurance department advised.

"Homeowners should try to be present when the adjuster inspects the damage," the agency said.

"Be sure the address is visible," the release read. "If damage forces you to move, leave a note or a plywood sign with your temporary address, phone number and name of your insurance company."

People with storm-damaged homes need to ask for references, check for licenses and bonding and consult their insurance companies before entering into contracts for home repairs, consumer protection agencies advise.

Make sure repairs will be done according to all local building, electrical and plumbing codes. Check with city or county offices to learn more about those codes.

FTC offers help

The Federal Trade Commission's "Internet Scambusters" offer tips to avoid "Rent-a-Creep" home repair scams:

• Decline offers from workers who knock on the door to offer a big discount to make repairs or repave driveways with materials left over from a job on a neighbor's home, especially those who ask for a cash deposit.
• Avoid contractors who use scare tactics such as telling homeowners their roof is about to collapse.
• Don't accept verbal quotes or instant estimates for work to be performed. Get everything in writing.
• Refuse all offers from door-to-door sales people who claim they just happened to be in the area or contractors who say they are working nearby.
• Be wary of repair offers from people who may have caused intentional damage after a storm, like ripping off a few pieces of vinyl siding during the night. Such scammers may also offer to charge the repairs to the homeowner's insurance company.
• Avoid any repair workers who want to be paid in cash only or upfront.
• Some scammers will offer a substantial discount if the homeowner promises to refer other customers or to let the company use the home as a model or "demonstrator."