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ST. LOUIS NEWS TODAY - Sunday, June 22, 2008
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Gov. Blunt Enacts Law to Improve Emergency Response
ST. CHARLES, MO, (SLFP.com), June 22, 2008 - Gov. Matt Blunt has signed legislation that empowers banks and financial institutions to continue operations during emergencies. The proactive law will help safeguard Missourians from many of the difficulties associated with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
"When faced with a devastating emergency the last thing Missourians need is regulatory loopholes to compound the difficulties inherent in a disaster situation," Gov. Blunt said. "The legislation I signed today provides financial institutions the flexibility they need in emergencies to ensure they can actively assist in disaster recovery while still protecting consumers."
"Many financial institutions in the gulf region were not able to legally operate following Hurricane Katrina because there were no emergency exemptions that allowed them to forego operations according to their bylaws," the bill's sponsor, Sen. Delbert Scott said. "This legislation gives the Director of Finance the flexibility to make sure financial institutions in Missouri can continue to operate and serve their clients during state of emergencies called by the governor."
Senate Bill 951, sponsored by Senator Delbert Scott, allows the governor to authorize the Director of Finance and the Director of Credit Unions to suspend laws and rules to safeguard financial institutions and coordinate emergency response. This law allows banks and trust companies to operate under emergency bylaws when the legislature or governor declares a state of emergency.
On Friday, the Governor was on site in Louisiana, Clarksville, Winfield and St. Charles meeting with local emergency coordinators to ensure state emergency resources are readily available and reaching Missouri families in need.
"Missouri communities are already dealing with the impact of the highest anticipated water levels on the Mississippi River in more than a decade," Gov. Blunt said. "My first concern is always for the safety of all Missouri families. I want Missourians to know we are well equipped and ready to assist. My thoughts and prayers are with all Missourians who have been impacted or face the threat of flooding."
Gov. Blunt has declared a state of emergency, activated the state's emergency operations center and authorized state departments to assist however needed. The Highway Patrol, Water Patrol, the Missouri National Guard, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Health and Senior Services, Department of Conservation and the Department of Transportation are all working to assist with flooding.
The governor's emergency response agencies continue an aggressive effort to identify key resources and fastest methods to deploy sandbags, pumps and other necessary equipment.
Missourians who need resource referrals or non-emergency help are urged to call 211. The 211 Service helps citizens with disaster information and referrals. 211 has information on volunteers available so anyone who needs volunteers can contact 211 at 211missouri@stl.unitedway.org or 800-427-4626.
Watch for 'Storm Chaser' Scams During Flood Preparation and Recovery
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, (SLFP.com), June 22, 2008 - As residents in Missouri towns along the Mississippi River work furiously to protect their communities from flooding, Attorney General Jay Nixon is reminding consumers to watch out for con artists.
In a release issued by his office, Nixon said thieves known as "storm chasers" target hard-hit areas claiming to offer home-repair services. The Attorney General says storm chasers often go door-to-door, offering quick services for consumers who may be in urgent need of repairs and supplies, whether it's a new roof, windows, generators or other services.
"Natural disasters always produce heroic acts by ordinary citizens, such as volunteers working around the clock in sandbagging efforts," Nixon said. "Unfortunately, such situations also always produce con artists, people who look to take advantage of the misfortune of others by promising services, collecting payment and not following through on the job."
Nixon also wants consumers to be on the lookout for price gouging on necessary supplies like water, ice, storage units, gas and generators, and to report any instances in which they feel they have been victimized.
"Any time a business raises prices simply to profit from a natural disaster, that is price gouging, and that is illegal in Missouri," Nixon said.
When hiring contractors, Nixon says consumers should be suspicious of anyone who:
- Offers services door-to-door, and has no I.D.;
- Drives an unmarked vehicle or has out-of-state plates;
- Demands full payment in advance and uses high-pressure sales tactics;
- Has no address, just a phone number or P.O. Box.
Nixon says consumers should follow these suggestions when hiring a home-repair company:
- Hire known or recommended companies. Check for complaints against a company through the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General's Web site and Consumer Protection Hotline (number below);
- Check the credentials of companies: verify their numbers and addresses in the phone book, check for county or other local permits, and ask if they are licensed, bonded and insured;
- Get at least two estimates;
- Get all agreements in writing, including description of the job, completion dates and price; and
- Make full payment only when the terms of the contract are met.
If a home repair contractor doesn't offer a written agreement, the Attorney General encourages consumers to write their own agreement. Nixon's Web site offers a worksheet with guidelines for drawing up a home improvement contract.
Consumers can report fraud and price gouging by filing a complaint online with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at ago.mo.gov or by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222.
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