Gov. Blunt Urges Missourians to Protect Themselves, Report Price Gouging in Aftermath of Winter Storms

December 12, 2007

JEFFERSON CITY – Gov. Matt Blunt is urging Missourians to use extreme caution when hiring workers to help clean up debris after the devastating ice storms.

"I am urging Missourians to take steps to protect themselves and their pocketbooks as they seek assistance in recovering from these severe winter storms," Gov. Blunt said. "I encourage Missourians to work with local companies and workers who they know and trust. When possible, I also encourage community leaders to work with local businesses. These businesses generally know the citizens and the local area and can assist the community with getting back on its feet. Moreover, local businesses with standing in the community are more likely to be interested in assisting with a quick recovery, not making a quick buck."

In the midst of the ice storms that continue to ravage our state, Missourians may be contacted offering services for cleanup and the removal of debris. The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR) offers the following tips to help protect Missourians from doing business with dishonorable contractors:

• Make sure the contractor is licensed by your city or county;
• Request a certificate of general liability insurance directly from the contractor’s agent or broker;
• Don’t pay the contractor upfront; have them bill you to make sure you only pay for work that is completed;
• Ask for at least two references from the contractor and take the time to call the references;
• Verify the service provider’s credibility by contacting your local Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau; and
• Report unfair practices to your local Better Business Bureau or local county or city collectors offices.

Additionally, DOLIR recommends Missourians to insist any contractor they hire, follow basic safety standards such as wearing hard hats, eye protection and the proper shoes or boots. Taking such precautions will decrease the likelihood of injuries.

Earlier today, Gov. Blunt issued an executive order to help Missourians cleanup damage caused by severe winter weather. The order allows the Department of Natural Resources to grant waivers to help expedite removal and disposal of fallen limbs and ice-covered debris. The governor’s executive order gives the Department of Natural Resources the discretion to waive rules and regulations pertaining to waste disposal to eliminate debris left by the week’s severe winter weather storms.

The governor also directed the state’s regulating agencies to work with Missourians to make recovery and restoration as smooth as possible. Missourians in need of assistance or who would like to volunteer in the response effort should call 888-377-2100.

The governor and state emergency responders are continuing to ensure resources are readied if called upon by local jurisdictions.

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