All Parkways Now Open; Clean Up Tips from Health and Consumer Protection

County urges residents to document damage

As the cleanup continues today, all of the county's parkways have been re-opened. . 

In the meantime, the county Department of Health has issued its tips for cleanup. Also, advice from the Department of Consumer Protection on how to avoid being scammed during a disaster.

Westchester County officials are continuing to aid local communities in the storm recovery. Residents are also being asked to document any storm damage to improve the county’s chances of receiving federal disaster aid. Additional information will be provided later as to what to do with those receipts.

“The storm may be over, but it will take time to recover,” said County Executive Andy Spano.

If you need any specific help, call the United Way's 2-1-1 line.

The county anticipates it will file for a federal disaster declaration to help local communities recover from the storm. It is important that residents and business owners document their damage, by taking photos and saving receipts. This will help the county’s chances of getting a federal disaster declaration.

Also, officials reminded residents that before Con Edison can restore power to areas where it was intentionally cut off due to flooding, several steps will need to be taken and that they may need to consult their local buildings departments.

Residents should also be wary of unscrupulous contractors, fraudulent charities, fake inspectors and other scams that often occur after natural disasters.

Here are some tips:

• Make sure any contractor you hire is licensed and insured. You may be distraught about flood damage, but now is not the time to let your guard down and hire an unlicensed contractor. To find out if a contractor is licensed you can call the Department of Consumer Protection at 995-2155 or check online at www.westchestergov.com.
   
•  Be especially wary of contractors who go door-to-door. These can be con artists who will rip you off.
   
•  Check for references and complaint history - - not just for contractors but for other companies like carpet cleaners. Even though it's an emergency, you should still do the type of homework you would do under ordinary circumstances. It doesn't take long to make a few phone calls that can save you a lot of grief later on.
   
• Get everything in writing and don't give any money upfront.
• Beware that some contractors and other businesses such as carpet cleaners, tree-removal companies and towing companies may try to take advantage of the emergency by dramatically raising their prices. It's understandable that you want to hire someone quickly, but be patient and shop around. Don't be a victim of price gouging.
• Natural disasters such as floods are often followed by bogus charitable solicitations. Be generous but be careful. Make sure you're giving to a bona fide, registered charity
   
• To report a complaint about a particular business, contact the Department of Consumer Protection at 914-995-2155.