Tornado safety tips after the storm
Bad weather can bring out the worst in people who try to scam victims with tornado damage. The Better Business Bureau warns to watch out for contractors, scammers and fake charities trolling for business and trying to take advantage of tornado victims. As well as looters lurking around for home goods.
Here are some Tornado safety tips after the storm.
If you’re away from your home at the time of the tornado, try to return safely. Listen to news reports to see if you can get up-to-date information about your neighborhood. Watch for fallen debris and power lines.
If your home has been damaged, consider turning off your main utilities, including your natural gas, electricity, and water main. If you smell natural gas, do not enter your home and call 911.
Only consume food or water that was not damaged by the storm.
If you lost power, protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning by using generators, grills, and other fuel-burning devices in a well-ventilated area.
Review your insurance policy and follow the necessary steps to contact them and file a claim.
Access the damage, check to see if the property has been harmed. When walking through the damage, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes. Contact local authorities if you see power lines down. Stay out of damaged buildings. Be aware of insurance scammers if your property has been damaged.
Here are the warnings you need to be aware of to avoid scams:
- The scammer asks for required down payment to get materials and make repairs. Once they receive the money, the scammer leaves with your money and never do the work.
- This scammer can fabricate damage and pressure paperwork before an insurance adjuster inspects the roof
- Scammers may put a new roof that isn’t up to par with the original roof, neglecting other roof issues. They usually leave and cannot be contacted
- Be aware of a contractor demanding an immediate signature on a contract. Take your time deciding what repairs to do and who to do business with
- The scammer gives the owner a bid that is much lower than competitors, and then finds unforeseen issues, costing more money
Get multiple written estimates. Do not provide any personal information, credit card numbers.
When it comes to contractors, don’t make any large payments up-front. The BBB said one-third of the contract is fair, but never pay in cash. If a contractor wants to do an inspection, be at your home when he or she is there. Unscrupulous contractors have been known to cause damage to homes.
If there are phone calls saying they are calling from a charity that helps storm victims, scrutinize the caller. Get information on who’s calling. Ask them to send something in writing. Research and call them back if you think this is something you want to do.
Be cautious of looters they can break and enter without you being aware or claim they are going to your house to gather home items for goodwill or other places. If this occurs, make sure to call law enforcement to access the situation
If your home was not damaged, contact your friends, family, and neighbors to make sure they’re safe. Ask them if they need a safe place to stay.
Via: Weather Nation/ WFFA
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