Use Care When Hiring Contractors
Release Date: October 9, 2004
Release Number: 1551-055
» More Information on Florida Hurricane Ivan
ORLANDO, Fla. -- If you were affected by Hurricane Ivan, as thousands of western Floridians were, you should be aware that some unscrupulous contractors might try to take advantage of you.
“If you have disaster-related damages, be very careful when contracting for repairs to your home and property,” said Bill Carwile, federal coordinating officer for the recovery from Ivan’s damage. “We do not want you to become a victim a second time.”
Disaster recovery officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Florida Emergency Response Team (SERT) caution residents not to sign contracts or make down payments without first receiving written estimates from contractors, and to avoid offers that seem too good to refuse. People should ask for references and check with relatives or friends before choosing a contractor.
“Be especially alert for door-to-door solicitors who ask for large cash deposits or entire payments in advance,” said Craig Fugate, state coordinating officer. “Sometimes the work is not done or the down payment is not returned.”
Residents may be able to check with local permit officials, builders associations, and the Better Business Bureau if they have questions about specific contractors.
Licensure may also be verified through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation by calling 1-850-487-1395 or visiting www.MyFloridaLicense.com. Unlicensed activity may be reported through 1-850-488-6603. For more tips about hiring a contractor, visit www.MyFlorida.com/dbpr. A website posted by the Disaster Contractors Network, www.dcnonline.org, gives valuable tips on hiring contractors and other information on repair and rebuilding.
Fugate also suggested that disaster victims call Florida’s toll-free price gouging hotline, 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), or visit the website of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/ if they have concerns about people representing themselves as contractors.
“You should also remember that federal employees and federal contract workers do not charge victims for their services,” Carwile said. “If someone posing as a federal employee or federal contractor attempts to collect money for their help, report that person and their vehicle number to your local police department.”
Federal employees, including FEMA inspectors, carry official photo identification and applicants may receive a visit from more than one inspector or verifier. If someone claims to be a federal employee but does not produce identification, residents should ask to see it. There is never a charge for a FEMA inspection
The State Emergency Response Team is a collaboration of Florida’s state agencies led by the state coordinating officer. Our mission is to ensure that Florida is prepared to respond to emergencies, recover from them, and mitigate against their impacts. For the latest information on the hurricane relief effort, visit http://www.floridadisaster.org.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 12-Oct-2004 08:47:39