Texas and Oklahoma were hit with an onslaught of severe weather, thunderstorms, and at least nine (9) tornadoes on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. And according to poweroutage.us, nearly 40,000 homes are without power in Northeast Texas. And while we East Texans are no strangers to storm damage, Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises residents to be on the lookout for storm chasers who show up unannounced, offer to repair storm damage for a low price, require advance payment and make big promises on which they have no intention of delivering.
BBB reminds consumers to be on the lookout for shady contractors looking to take advantage of storm victims. “Encountering high winds, thunderstorms and the occasional tornado are a part of living in East Texas,” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President & CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “However, it also means it is important to be on the lookout for flyby night repair businesses who are ready to pounce on storm victims as soon as the weather breaks.”
BBB offers the following advice to homeowners before hiring a contractor: Check with your insurance company about policy coverage and specific filing requirements. Save all receipts if temporary repairs are necessary.
