Use Caution When Hiring Contractors for Repairing Oregon Disaster Damage
Release Date: December 21, 2007
Release Number: 1733-015
» More Information on Oregon Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides
SALEM, Ore. -- Individuals claiming to be "FEMA-certified" or "FEMA-approved" contractors may approach property owners in storm-struck areas offering to repair damage.
"While the State of Oregon does license contractors," said Abby Kershaw, state coordinating officer, "neither Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) nor the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approves contractors to do disaster recovery work for individual property owners."
Federal Coordinating Officer Glen R. Sachtleben echoes that warning. "Any contractor who says FEMA or OEM sent him to your door is lying," said. Sachtleben, "and that's not the person you want to trust with your money - or your home."
Disaster officials recommend property owners use the same caution in contracting repair work they would use for any other home repair. Deal with state-licensed contractors who have a sound business reputation in the community; get at least two bids and a written contract; never pay for the entire job up front.
When hiring workers to fix roofs, repaint homes or perform other damage repairs, insist on seeing proper operating licenses and proof of insurance. If a situation or individual makes you feel uncomfortable, follow your instincts.
For further information on hiring a contractor, check the State of Oregon Construction Contractor's Board on the Internet at: www.oregon.gov/CCB/index.shtml.
Allegations of price gouging or instances in which prices are excessively high relative to their cost prior to the storm should be reported to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at (503) 378-4320 (Salem area only), (503) 229-5576 (Portland area only), or toll-free at 1-877-877-9392. Complaints can be filed on line at www.doj.state.or.us. Hotline hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Friday, 21-Dec-2007 15:32:57