Florida Consumer E-Newsletter
August 2008
Charles H. Bronson
Commissioner
A Message from the Commissioner
Dear Friends:
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) recently revised its outlook for the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season. The update indicates that the probability of an above-normal hurricane season has increased, prompting forecasters to now predict a total of 7-10 hurricanes, 3-6 of which will be classified as major (Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Scale). Historically, August, September and October have produced 79% of our named storms, 83% of our hurricanes and 93% of our major hurricanes. With 1,197 miles of coastline and all of its cities within 75 miles of the coast, there are no areas in Florida that are immune to the potentially destructive forces of a hurricane.
Your safety and that of your family is paramount when a hurricane threatens your area. Being well prepared and informed is the best method of protection. Doing so will also minimize the risk of falling victim to fraud and deception along the way. We have compiled a few pre- and post-storm tips to help guide Florida’s consumers through such a challenging time.
Sincerely,
Develop a Plan Families should have a plan of action before the threat of a hurricane arises. The Florida Division of Emergency Management offers a Family Disaster Planning website. Simply go to www.floridadisaster.org/family/ to create a personalized Family Disaster Plan. Based on the information that you input, the website will automatically calculate recommended amounts of food and water for your family, provide contact information for your local emergency responders and maps of your local Evacuation Zones, as well as supply checklists of important steps to take before, during and after the disaster. The plan will also address the issue of pets. If you anticipate needing transportation or any specialized assistance, do not wait until the threat of a storm approaches, REGISTER NOW with your county emergency management agency.
Price-Gouging In the wake of a natural disaster, essential commodities (such as fuel, food, ice, generators, lanterns, lumber, lodging, etc.) may be in short supply. Charging exorbitant or excessive prices for these and other necessities following a declared state of emergency is not only unethical, it's illegal. When an executive order is issued by the Governor declaring a state of emergency in Florida, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services activates the Price Gouging Hotline. Consumers can call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), to report persons charging exorbitant or excessive prices for essential commodities.
Home Repair Many times we hear stories of how adversity can bring out the best in people. Unfortunately, it is also true that adverse circumstances sometimes bring out the worst in others. A frequent problem after a disaster is "fly-by-night" contractors who take deposits before starting work or final payments before finishing. If you need repairs to your home you should get at least three itemized estimates and check each contractor’s address, license, and complaint history with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395 or on their website at www.myfloridalicense.com. Be cautious of repair businesses or individuals who solicit door-to-door, arrive in unmarked vehicles, have a post office box or temporary address, claim they are from another county or state and are in the area solely to help disaster victims, or offer to work for you only if you secure the necessary permits.
Giving to Charity Beware of people soliciting contributions on behalf of victims of a natural disaster. Ask for the name of the organization they represent and their State of Florida registration number. Do not judge an organization solely on a name that sounds impressive. Many organizations use names similar to well-known charities and organizations.
Charitable solicitation organizations must register with the state. To check on a group's registration or complaint history, call the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). You can also view our online Gift Givers' Guide at www.800helpfla.com for current financial information on registered charitable organizations.
We’re Here for You The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is the State of Florida complaint clearinghouse. To check the complaint history of a business or to file a complaint, visit us online at www.800helpfla.com or give us a call, calling within Florida 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), outside of Florida 850-488-2221, or en Español 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832). Our consumer assistance specialists will answer any consumer related questions you may have or direct you to the best resource for assistance.
Additional Resources
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The links below are for your information only. The goal of the Division of Consumer Services is to provide additional information to consumers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services does not review or confirm these sites for accuracy.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Disasters like tornados and wildfires can strike quickly and without warning, while others such as hurricanes can be tracked for days. Disasters can force you to evacuate your home, workplace, school or even city. In these times, it's difficult to focus on the various tasks that need to be dealt with.
Florida Division of Emergency Management
In a major disaster, emergency workers may not be able to reach everyone right away, and in some cases it may take 3 or more days for help to arrive. What would you do if you had no electricity, no gas, no water and no telephone service? Having a plan for your family and their needs will help ensure their safety and comfort during these difficult times.
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
The DBPR Online Services website provides information about applicants and licensed individuals for those professions and businesses that are regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Disaster Information and resources for assistance.
American Red Cross
Each year, the American Red Cross responds immediately to more than 70,000 disasters, including house or apartment fires (the majority of disaster responses), hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hazardous materials spills, transportation accidents, explosions, and other natural and man-made disasters.
