Tips for the storm’s aftermath
August 28, 2011 by admin
Filed under Choosing Lingerie
General precautions
Watch out for debris-filled streets and weakened bridges.
Avoid downed power lines and trees entangled in power lines.
Check for electrical damage inside your home: frayed wires, sparks or the smell of burning insulation. If you find damage, do not turn your power on until an electrician inspects your system.
Do not connect a generator directly to your home’s electrical system. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to connect appliances directly to your generator.
Remember that snakes and insects can be a problem after storms.
The state’s price gouging law is in effect. Charging an unreasonably excessive amount in times of crisis is against North Carolina law when a disaster is declared by the governor.
Don’t pay upfront for repair work. Some contractors may require a “reasonable” down payment, but insist on a written contract that details the work to be performed, the cost and a projected completion date. Pay with a check or credit card, not cash.
Beware of people who promise a “guaranteed” loan from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, especially if they require an upfront payment. (FEMA doesn’t charge a loan application fee.) Verify the credentials of anyone offering low-interest government loans by contacting the agency involved.
Beware of a contractor who knocks on your door soliciting work.
Whenever possible, obtain three written estimates for repair work and compare them. Check whether any complaints have been filed against contractors with the Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau.
Watch out for charity scams. Telemarketing frauds spring into action with phony pleas for donations in the wake of disasters. Check on a charity’s legitimacy by calling the Secretary of State’s Office at 888-830-4989.
Report a scam or fraud by calling the Attorney General’s Office at 877-566-7226 or by filing a complaint on the AG’s website www.ncdoj.gov/
Power outages
Progress Energy customers should report outages to 800-419-6356 or online at www.progress-energy.com/storm, or via smartphones at the company’s mobile website at m.progress-energy.com. Register online before the storm hits.
Progress will update its storm restoration progress at www .facebook.com/ProgressEnergyCarolinas .
N.C. Electric Membership Corp. customers should call the co-op that serves their area to report outages.
Insurance
Report claims promptly, because adjusters handle them first-come, first-served.
Write down your claim number.
Keep records of all contacts with your insurer, listing date, time and a brief description of the exchange.
Find out if the adjuster is an employee of your insurance company or an independent. If independent, find out what company your information is going to and whether it’s authorized to make decisions and payments on behalf of your insurer.
Limit any repairs done before an adjuster’s visit to those needed to protect your home from additional damage.
Before making emergency repairs, take photographs and keep receipts for work done.
Keep receipts for any living expenses, such as hotel costs if your home is uninhabitable.
Consult your insurer or check your policy before hiring a tree removal service. Policies differ on whether tree removal or debris is covered; some policies only cover tree removal if the tree has fallen on your house or other property such as a fence or utility shed.
