This publication from Sun Newspapers features Hurricane Preparation
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Page 17 adno=3788969-1 18260 Paulson Dr., #A3 Port Charlotte, FL 33954 941-629-1712 • www.dalesac.com Lic#CAC1817312 Proudly serving Charlotte, Sarasota & Lee County for over 47 years! FREE Hurricane Straps with A/C Service Exp 10-31-21 FREE IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) Test and Estimate Exp 10-31-21 As Summer approaches, don't be caught with poor indoor air quality! We have products that eliminate viruses, germs, mold & odors. Call us today for a FREE Estimate on our "State of the Art" Indoor Air Quality line of products. BEWARE OF SCAMMERS Unlicensed activity typically increases after a storm as scammers prey on desperate situations. During a declared state of emergency, unlicensed contractor activity is a felony offense. Homeowners who knowingly hire unlicensed construction contractors face a fine of up to $5,000. Additionally, your insurance company may not cover work performed without a permit. To verify Charlotte County licensure yourself call 941-743- 1201. For Punta Gorda, call 941-575-3324. In North Port, call 941-429-7016. And in DeSoto County — including the city of Arcadia — call 863-993-4811. In Sarasota County, call 941-861-6678. For Venice, call 941-486-2626. The Better Business Bureau cautions homeowners to be wary of any contractor who demands full payment up front or asks to have payments made to an individual rather than a company. A contractor's vehicle should include the compa- ny's name and phone number. Resist high-pressure sales tactics. If possible use a credit card for added protection. Otherwise, pay by check, but never in cash. And get everything in writing. Hiring someone without liability and workers' compensation insurance could make you liable for personal injuries on your property and the cost to repair any damage. GET A PORTABLE FIREPROOF BOX Put important documents, an external back up to your computer's hard drive if it's not in the cloud, an extra set of keys for your house and car, your safe deposit box key, a list of your valuable possessions with photos, and some cash in a fireproof-safe box. The Federal Trade Commission suggests those important documents should include copies of health insurance cards, Social Security cards, current prescriptions, policy numbers for auto, flood, and homeowner's insurance, and a list of telephone numbers of your insurance companies. Also make front and back copies of all credit and debit cards and a list of bank, loan, mortgage, and investment account numbers. FILE PHOTO Flooding along Marion Avenue in downtown Punta Gorda, as a result of Hurricane Eta. REPORT PRICE GOUGING If there's a declared emergency in our area, Florida law prohibits extreme price increases on such needed commodities as food, water, hotels, ice, gasoline and lumber. If you suspect any price gouging, call the Attorney General's hotline at 866-9-NO-SCAM (966-7226).