City, County sign disaster declaration after severe weather

Stephens County and the city of Breckenridge signed a disaster declaration Saturday, after the community was hit Friday evening by large hail produced by a severe thunderstorm.

According to the declaration, the damage impacted most of the more than 5,000 residents of Breckenridge and large parts of Stephens County. Damage which was listed in the declaration includes damaged roofs, broken windows, fallen limbs, and vehicle damage.

“(...) the declaration of such a disaster authorizes the imposition of controls on activities that tend to increase the likelihood of injury to the public,” the declaration states. “(...) such controls, once implemented, have the potential of protecting lives and property by mitigating the threat of additional damage from roofs, broken windows, and damaged transportation by allowing access to state agencies’ assistance and non-profits during recovery...”

Stephens County Judge Michael Roach posted on the county’s Facebook page that residents should report damage from the storm at damage.tdem.texas.gov.

“Please help your community by reporting your damage (...). Reporting your damages helps the state determine the scale of local damage. Also, non-profit groups mobilize to assist members of our community who need assistance with repairs,” his post stated.

The city posted to their Facebook page Saturday, May 14 about the threat of “unscrupulous roof contractors” who may take advantage of those impacted by the storm.

“Please be aware that fraudulent, unqualified contractors or ‘storm chasers,’ come from all over the country looking for vulnerable consumers. With resources, materials and contractors limited due to these recent storms, homeowners might try and seek a quick and easier road,” the city posted.

The city also posted some advice to guide affected residents and businesses:

• Don’t sign any document until you’re sure you’ve chosen the contractor you want.

• Avoid contractors willing to help “save your deductible,” which is unlawful.

• Ask for referrals from neighbors and others you trust.

• Make sure the company actually exists by looking them up on a third-party directory, such as a printed telephone or business association directory. The number provided by the contractor may just be for show, and scam artists may even set up websites with false information about their operation.

• Check the reputation of the contractors by looking at service-referral websites such as the Abilene-area Better Business Bureau. Look for a local street address, not a post office box. Check how long the company has been in business and look for memberships in local and national trade associations.

• If a subcontractor identifies as being with a large company, call the contracting company to make sure the sub is being truthful.

• Ask all contractors to confirm they have proof of general liability insurance and workers-compensation coverage. Once you choose a contractor, ask to see proof.

• Ask contractors you’re considering for references to other jobs they did 12 to 24 months ago so you can determine whether the work has held up.

• Get three estimates in writing, which gives you an opportunity to check for consistency in the scope of work. Avoid bids that are either much higher or lower than the other two.

Organizations and individuals such as the Texas Baptist Men, Texas Division of Emergency Management, American Red Cross, and Texas Representative Glenn Rogers, have responded to the area to provide assistance after Friday’s storm.