White,
Hutchinson Urge Caution As Communities Clean Up From Tornadoes, Storms
Harrisburg
– State Senator Mary Jo White (R-21) and State Representative Scott
Hutchinson (R-64) today urged residents throughout their districts to
use caution when considering offers of home and other repairs.
Many
communities throughout White and Hutchinson's districts are recovering
from tornadoes, high winds and severe storms that swept through the area
earlier this week. Broken power lines, fallen trees and tree limbs
and other remnants of the storm still remain, as community and emergency
management crews work to restore basic services.
"Situations
like this often bring out the best in people. It's heartening to
see so many people helping their neighbors, and even complete
strangers," said White. "However, I urge
residents to use caution when considering services
such as home repairs and tree limb removal."
Hutchinson
noted that some residents are being solicited by individuals going door
to door, offering their services for an up-front, often inflated fee.
Many of the services, including tree debris removal, will be performed
by municipal work crews at no charge.
"Crews
are working as fast as they can, and I urge residents to be patient.
Before paying a fee or agreeing to a contract, check with your
municipality, or better yet, your neighbors. If something seems
too good to be true, it most likely is," said Hutchinson.
To
avoid becoming the victim of a home repair scam, Hutchinson and White
offer these tips to homeowners:
-
Never
let anyone into your home without first asking for identification.
Utility workers and representatives of reputable businesses will
have proper identification.
-
Beware
of phony home inspectors who may offer a free inspection to get into
your home. If you do let someone in your home, stay with them
to avoid theft problems.
-
Avoid
transient repair contractors. Confirm the business or
individual has a valid business license from your county or town.
-
Ask
for a written estimate of the services the contractor will provide
and an estimate of costs.
-
Always
get a second opinion and written estimates from one or two reputable
local firms.
-
Get
all guarantees in writing. Ask for references and call them.
-
Do
not provide advance payments or large cash deposits unless you have
checked the contractor’s credentials and have a written contract
that details the work to be done, the total cost, and guarantees on
labor and materials.
If
you do encounter a suspected home repair scam, call your local police
and the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection at
1-800-441-2555.
Both
lawmakers also asked residents to be patient with their insurance
carriers as well. Insurance agents are likely to be inundated with
calls and requests, and it is important that homeowners and other
claimants understand their policies and the benefits they are entitled
to receive. Residents should be wary of any offers from third
parties to give them money up front in exchange for future payments from
their insurance carrier.
CONTACT:
Sally Pemrick (Sen. White)
814-432-4345
Kim Scott (Rep. Hutchinson) 814-677-6363
