Winter Weather Information

Winter weather is expected this weekend, with the possibility of ice and snow.  Montgomery County officials offer residents the following tips for surviving severe weather:

Preparing for the Storm

Emergency preparations should include having enough food, water, medication (if needed) and batteries to last two to three days. Make sure portable radios, smoke detectors and flashlights are working properly. 

Keep a fresh supply of extra batteries on hand, along with a basic first aid kit and a non-electric can opener.

Check with neighbors who may require special assistance to see if they need help in stocking up on supplies or medications, and call them during the storm.

Park vehicles in driveways or off the street, if possible. When parking on-street, pull close to the curb on the even numbered side of the street to clear the way for snowplows.

Be sure your vehicle is ready to drive after the storm by filling the gas tank; checking tires to make sure they have an adequate tread and are fully inflated; checking oil, antifreeze and windshield washer fluid levels; and ensuring windshield wipers, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes and defroster are all working properly. Keep a windshield scraper and small broom in the car for ice and snow removal, and a small sack of sand or kitty litter to improve wheel traction.

If driving during the storm is unavoidable, put together a separate disaster supply kit for the trunk of the car that includes:

• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• Flares.
• Blankets or sleeping bags.
• Dry clothing, mittens, socks, and a wool cap.
• Newspapers for insulation.
• Plastic bags.
• Canned fruit, nuts, or high energy “munchies.”
• Bottles of water.
• A small shovel, a pocket knife, and small tools --pliers, a wrench and screwdriver.
• Jumper cables.
• First aid kit and necessary medications.
• Brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna.

During the Storm

During the storm, residents are urged to travel only if absolutely necessary, and to stay indoors.

Residents concerned about the safety and well-being of children, elderly individuals or adults with disabilities should call the County’s Crisis Center at 240-777-4000.

If traveling is hazardous, residents should be prepared to shelter in place.

In the event of a power outage, avoid using candles or outdoor grills indoors, to prevent the risk of a fire.

For downed trees on public property, residents should call 3-1-1 (or 240-777-0311 from a cell phone).  To report trees that have fallen on utility lines, contact local utility companies. Contact information is available on the County’s website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov. “Hot” wires or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, may be reported by calling 9-1-1. 

After the Storm

In the event of power outages, treat intersections with non-working traffic signals as four-way stops.  If your home is without power, contact your utility company:  PEPCO, 877-737-2662; BG&E, 877-778-2222; or FirstEnergy/Potomac Edison, 1-800-255-3443.

Exercise caution when shoveling snow. Try to shovel snow into the yard rather than into the street. Cold weather puts an extra strain on the body. Individuals with heart disease or high blood pressure should follow their doctor’s advice about shoveling snow or performing other hard work in the cold. Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of deaths during winter.

When going outdoors, dress warmly and stay dry. Adults and children should wear a hat, scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth; sleeves that are snug at the wrists, mittens (they are warmer than gloves), a water-resistant coat and boots, and several layers of loose-fitting clothes.

Serious health problems such as hypothermia and frostbite can be caused by prolonged exposure to the cold. Watch for loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes and the tip of the nose. Signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. In both cases, residents should get medical attention immediately if symptoms are present.

Do not attempt to drive if you are not comfortable driving on icy or snowy roads. When preparing to drive, be sure to thoroughly clear the snow from the entire car – including roofs, windshields trunks and hoods – to ensure visibility and prevent snow from blowing onto surrounding cars. When driving, do not speed and be sure to leave plenty of space between your car and the one in front of you. Avoid pulling out in front of other vehicles and do not slow down before going up a hill.

For timely severe weather and emergency notifications, go to https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov and sign up for Alert Montgomery. Warnings and emergency updates will be sent directly to your cell phone and/or email address. The service is free, but text charges may apply, so check with your cell phone carrier before selecting text alerts.  Information is also available on the County’s website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/snow.

Storm Preparedness Tips

June is traditionally the start of hurricane and summer storm season. Take precautions to stay safe, including heeding storm warnings issued by the National Weather Service and taking shelter when appropriate.

A hurricane watch is issued if there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours. A warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in a specified area in 24 hours or less. Hurricane conditions include winds of 74 miles per hour (64 knots) or greater, and/or dangerously high tides and waves. Actions to protect life and property should begin immediately when the warning is issued.

Sign up for Alert Montgomery to receive up-to-date information on hurricane watches and warnings and other storms. Alerts can be sent to one or more electronic devices, including cell phones, text pagers and wireless PDAs, along with home and work emails.

Storm Preparedness Tips

• Keep flashlights, battery-powered radios and extra batteries on hand, along with a basic first aid kit, emergency food and water, and a non-electric can opener.

• Listen to the radio or television for weather reports.

• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools; or anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but could be tossed by high winds.

• Clean out gutters.

• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting in anticipation of a power outage. Open the door only when necessary and close quickly. Frozen food in a half-full freezer will remain safe for up to 24 hours, and in a full freezer, up to 48 hours.

• Refrain from putting out trash cans the night before the regular pickup.

During Power Outages

• Use flashlights and battery-powered lanterns for light and battery-powered radios and computers for storm progress reports and information.

• Avoid using candles to prevent the risk of a fire.

Flooding

• In anticipation of possible flooding, residents are encouraged to store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container.

• Avoid areas subject to flooding, including low spots, canals and streams.

• Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road – you can be stranded or trapped. The depth of the water and the condition of the road is not always obvious.

Night Time Safety

• Use extra caution at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers, downed wires and other hazards.

High Winds

• To report downed trees on public property, Montgomery County residents should call 311 (or 240-777-0311 from outside the county or from a cell phone), or file a report. If live wires are involved, the tree is blocking a roadway, the tree is on a structure or if anyone is trapped under a fallen tree, call 911.

• Trees that have fallen on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. The County’s Office of Consumer Protection advises homeowners to deal with established businesses only, and to call Consumer Protection first to check on a business complaint record. Consumer Protection can be reached at 240-777-3636.

Important Utility Numbers and websites

Pepco: 1-877-737-2662, www.pepco.com

BG&E (Baltimore Gas and Electric): 1-877-778-2222 or 1-800-685-0123, www.bge.com  

Potomac Edison (Allegheny Power): 1-800-255-3443, www.firstenergycorp.com  

Washington Gas: 800-752-7520, www.washgas.com  

WSSC: 1-800-828-4002, www.wsscwater.com

Protect Yourself When Making Repairs After the Storm

Remember to be cautious when hiring contractors to repair damage caused by the storm and to do your homework before signing a contract for any home repair or improvement, or tree service work.

The Office of Consumer Protection offers the following advice to homeowners:

~ Do not panic and hire someone because they are the only company that can come out to the house right away. Make sure the home improvement contractor is licensed with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) by calling 410-230-6309 or check online. Also, make sure the contractor is familiar with and has expertise in repairing the type of damage that your house has sustained, such as roofing or foundation repair.

~ For tree service or removal, check to see if the business is a licensed tree expert with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Forestry Division at 410-260-8521 or online at www.dnr.maryland.gov. If a licensed company is used, there is a complaint process through the Department of Natural Resources. If an unlicensed company is used, it is often impossible to track down the company, particularly if they have been paid in advance. In addition, consumers should ask to see written verification of the company’s insurance and workers compensation coverage.

~ Get estimates from three contractors. Some fraudulent contractors will capitalize on the situation and overcharge consumers or lead them to believe the damage is worse than it really is. State law requires a written contract for any work completed. A home improvement contract should include the terms and conditions of the warranty. The manufacturer’s warranty should be a separate, written document. The contract must also include: the contractor’s name, address and home improvement license number; the approximate starting and finishing dates; and a description of the work to be done and materials to be used.

~ State law prohibits home improvement contractors from collecting more than one-third of the contract amount as a deposit. If the contract is signed in your home, the contract must allow the consumer three days in which to cancel the contract. Under emergency situations only, the consumer may waive this three-day right to cancel, but must sign a special form to do so.

~ Check the contractors’ complaint records with the Office of Consumer Protection at 240-777-3636 or online and the Better Business Bureau at 202-393-8000 or online, and with the MHIC and DNR.

For more information, call 240-777-3636 or visit OCP’s website.

Disposing of Tree Debris

Trees or branches may be disposed as follows:

On Private Property:

~ Tree debris on private property will be collected on a residents’ regular recycling day if it is no more than four-feet in length and four inches in diameter.

~ Bag or bundle tree branches and limbs or place them in containers, keeping bundles less than 45 pounds and less than 30 inches in diameter.

~ Tree debris (up to 500 pounds) that is too large for curbside collection, or cannot be bagged, bundled, or placed in containers can be recycled at no charge to single family home residents at the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station, located at 16101 Frederick Road, Derwood. The station will resume normal operating hours on Wednesday.

~Another option is to contact a private company, such a tree service, landscaping or lawn service, for assistance in removing and disposing of storm debris. The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection cautions homeowners against using unlicensed home improvement contractors.

~Residents may want to check with their home insurance company, which may cover storm debris removal and disposal.


In the Public Right-of-Way:

~ Montgomery County Department of Transportation crews are collecting trees and branches that have fallen into the public right-of-way.
~ To report tree debris in the public right-of-way, call 311 (or 240-777-0311 from a cell phone).

If live wires are entangled in a tree, a tree is blocking a roadway, the tree is on a structure or if anyone is trapped under a fallen tree, call 911.

Council Meetings Rescheduled to Next Week

Here is the schedule of meetings/agenda items that were cancelled on Monday and Tuesday and will be made up next week:

Monday - November 5:
9:30 - ED Committee
11:30 - 1:30 Council worksession on Subdivision Staging Policy (3CHR)
2:00 - GO Committee
2:00 - PHED Committee

Tuesday - November 6:
10:30 - State legislative priorities - 3CCR
11:00 - Consent calendar and three appropriation public hearings: MCPS tech mod, Duball, and Ten Mile Creek (move the two ZTAs to November 13)
11:15 - 1:30 - Subdivision Staging Policy

Note - Presentations and Board of Health will wait until later in the month.

To get complete agendas go to the Council's website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council.

Tuesday Closures

Early Voting – Cancelled (Tuesday only)

Public Schools – Closed

Montgomery College – Closed

Montgomery County Government – Closed

Metro – Will not resume Tuesday morning

Ride On – Will not resume Tuesday

Montgomery County Parking Garages – Open (No charge. Meters are also no charge)

Federal Government - Closed

Montgomery Parks – Facilities will be closed, and classes and programs are cancelled.

Interstates and US Routes – Due to severe weather conditions, SHA has lowered speed limits to 45 mph; Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary

Shelters – Open
• White Oak Community Recreation Center – 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring -Humans and Pets
• The Activity Center at Bohrer Park – 506 S. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg - Humans Only
• Mid-County Community Recreation Center – 2004 Queensguard Road, Silver Spring - Humans Only

Sandy Related Closures

A recap of all the official closures over the next couple of days due to Hurricane Sandy are below:

Montgomery County Government: Montgomery County government will be closed tomorrow, Monday, October 29. Essential personnel must report to work.

Montgomery County Public Schools: Montgomery County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30, due to emergency weather conditions. All school and community activities in school buildings are canceled. Administrative offices are closed Monday October 29.

Montgomery College: College closed Monday Oct 29 and Tues Oct 30 due to Hurricane Sandy. All classes/activities canceled.

Montgomery County Recreation Department: All Rec classes cancelled Oct 29 & Oct 30. Pools will hold classes.

Federal Government / Office of Personnel Management: OPM has determined that due to Hurricane Sandy, the Federal Government will be closed on Monday, October 29, 2012.

Preparing for Hurricane Sandy

There is a possibility that Hurricane Sandy may impact the Washington D.C. region in the days ahead. Should predictions show that the hurricane will hit our area, officials remind residents that they should prepare for the possibility of high winds, power outages and flooding. The hurricane season traditionally runs through November.

Anyone who has not already signed up for the Countys Alert Montgomery notification system is encouraged to do so by going to https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov and selecting the types of emergency alerts they are interested in receiving regarding weather, severe traffic, schools, park and government facilities, athletic fields and public events; along with the devices they would like the messages sent to (cell phones, text pagers, wireless PDAs, home and work emails).

During severe weather and all other times, residents are reminded to call 9-1-1 only in emergencies that threaten life or property, which include any type of fire or serious medical condition, when there is fear for personal safety or the safety of others, or during a crime in progress. Calling 9-1-1 for the wrong reason or calling the number inadvertently may keep someone else from getting the help they need. DO NOT call 9-1-1 to ask for directions; check on power, phone, or cable outages; inquire about road or weather conditions; check on the status of school closings; for information about public services; or to report situations that are not emergencies. If you do call by mistake, please stay on the line until the call taker can confirm that you do not require emergency assistance.

Whenever a hurricane threatens a region, a hurricane watch will be issued within 24-36 hours. A hurricane warning will be issued if hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours or less. Below are some more preparedness tips for hurricanes and other storms:

Before a Storm
Put copies of important documents in a safe place, preferably a waterproof container. Important documents can include passports, birth certificates, insurance policies or anything else that might be needed immediately or cannot be easily replaced.

Have enough cash for a few days ATMs may not work during power outages and stores might not be able to take debit and credit cards.
Make sure vehicle gas tanks are full.
Secure or bring inside exterior items that might become windborne, such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools.
Fill prescriptions that might be needed and stock up on any necessary medical supplies.

Keep flashlights and battery-powered radios with extra batteries on hand, along with a basic first aid kit, emergency food and water, and a non-electric can opener. Have enough non-perishable food and water for at least 72 hours.
Listen to the radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
Clean out gutters.
Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting in anticipation of a power outage. Open the doors only when necessary and close quickly.
Refrain from putting out trash cans the night before the regular pickup.

During a Storm
Avoid using candles for lighting. Use a battery-powered flashlight.
Never use a candle when fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern, since the candle flame can ignite fumes from the fuel.
Try to stay in an interior room or away from windows.
Stay calm and do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.
If flooding occurs, turn off electricity at the main breaker.
During a power outage, turn off major appliances. This will minimize losing power again through a power surge and protect the equipment when power returns.
Do not go outside. Flying debris from high winds is a danger. As the eye of the storm passes, there will be a short period of calm followed by rapid wind speed increases to hurricane force that will come from the opposite direction.

After a Storm
Do not touch fallen or low-hanging wires of any kind under any circumstances. Stay away from puddles with wires in or near them. Do not touch trees or other objects in contact with power lines.
USE PHONES ONLY FOR EMERGENCIES. Call 911 only for life-threatening situations.
Call police or your utility companies immediately to report hazards such as downed power lines, broken gas or water mains or overturned gas tanks.
Avoid areas subject to flooding, including low spots, canals and streams. Do not attempt to drive on a flooded road you can be stranded or trapped. The depth of the water and the condition of the road is not always obvious.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers, downed wires and other hazards.

For downed trees on public property, call 3-1-1 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays (or 240-777-0311 from outside the County or from a cell phone) or go to http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311 at any time to report the problem. If live wires are involved, the tree is blocking a roadway, the tree is on a structure, or if persons are trapped under the fallen tree, call 9-1-1.
Trees that have fallen on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. The Countys Office of Consumer Protection advises homeowners to deal with established businesses only, and to call Consumer Protection first to check a businesscomplaint record. Consumer Protection can be reached at 240-777-3636.
For non-emergency police assistance, call the police non-emergency number, 301-279-8000.

If case of a power outage, residents are urged to take steps to ensure that food left in the refrigerator and freezer is safe. According to the United States Department of Agricultures (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, meat, poultry, fish and eggs should be refrigerated at 40F and frozen food at or below 0F, which may be difficult with a prolonged power outage. Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. A refrigerator will only keep food safely cold for about four hours if it is unopened. Food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, soft cheeses, butter and leftover cooked meats, casseroles and pizza should be thrown out if they have been held above 40F for over two hours. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed. To be sure a particular food is cold enough; take its temperature with a food thermometer. Never taste food to determine its safety.

Do not operate charcoal grills, propane camping stoves or generators indoors.

Important Utility Numbers:
Pepco: 1-877-737-2662
Baltimore Gas and Electric (BG&E): 1-877-778-2222 or 1-800-685-0123
Potomac Edison (Allegheny Power): 1-800-255-3443
Washington Gas: 800-752-7520
WSSC: 1-800-828-4002
For more information about emergency preparedness, go to the County website, www.montgomerycountymd.gov, check the Countys Facebook page, or sign up to receive County tweets from Twitter, http://twitter.com/#!/MontgomeryCoMD.

County's Response to June 29 Storm

Did you know that the June 29 derecho left 261,445 out of 351,971 Montgomery County electricity customers (across three utility companies) without power? About 69 percent of our traffic signals lost power as well as 91 percent of the nursing homes and 93 percent of the large assisted living facilities. That’s in addition to both WSSC water treatment plants losing power. These issues were compounded by the extremely high temperatures that followed. Get more details and an assessment of Montgomery County’s response in the packet from our July 24 briefing from the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. The slideshow starts on page 4.

Transfer Station to Stay Open July 4 for Yard and Food Waste

To assist residents still without power and those who are recovering from the aftermath of Friday’s severe storm, the Montgomery County Shady Grove Transfer Station, 16101 Frederick Road, Derwood, will remain open for residential customers only on Wednesday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, the County’s MC311 Call Center will remain open on July 4 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On July 4, residents visiting the Transfer Station should use the Route 355 entrance and follow the “Recycling, Trash and Yard Waste” sign. Customers are asked to be patient as there may be a waiting time. Division of Solid Waste officials say that the mid-morning and mid-afternoon hours are traditionally lighter. There is no charge to residents.

Once power has been restored throughout the County and operations are back to normal, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will provide special storm debris collection. The date the collections will begin and additional details will be provided as soon as the information is available. Residents will be asked to place storm debris in the public right-of-way, ensuring that sidewalks, driveways and roads are not blocked.

MCDOT’s Division of Highway Services is systematically working to open roads and intersections that are blocked by downed trees and limbs where they are not entangled with power or utility lines. Residents are encouraged to contact the MC311 Call Center by calling 311 or visiting www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311 to report debris locations.
Residents may also continue to use County-provided trash and yard trim curbside collection or drop off disposables at the Transfer Station.

Guidelines for preparing items follow:

Curbside Collection of Yard Trimmings:
Bag, bundle, or containerize branches, limbs and yard trim and place at curb on trash day. Bundles should not exceed 30 inches in diameter and branches should be no larger than four feet in length and four inches in diameter. Total weight must be less than 45 pounds for containers, bags and bundles.

Spoiled Food:
Residents without power may dispose of their spoiled food immediately at the Transfer Station. Normal hours of operation are: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Note: Special July 4 hours listed above.

Residents whose power has been restored and want to dispose of spoiled food with their next regular trash collection, are asked to place the food in containers in their freezer until their next collection day. This will slow decomposition and should also help neutralize odors. Pour liquids good down the drain. Double-bag food in trash bags, tie tightly and place bags into outdoor, sealed trash cans with tight-fitting lids. Remember to rinse and recycle any food or beverage packaging.

Using the Transfer Station:
If branches, tree limbs and stumps are too large (longer than four feet) for curbside collection, residents can drop materials off at the Transfer Station.

Using a Private Contractor for Debris Removal:
When using a tree service, landscaping or lawn service to remove and dispose of storm debris at the Transfer Station, residents should be aware that commercial businesses are charged fees at the Transfer Station.

Council to Hold Debriefing on Pepco's Response

On Thursday, July 19, the Council will hold a debriefing to gain a better understanding of Pepco’s performance following the sudden and powerful storm that struck the Washington Region on the evening of June 29. Four days after the storm, approximately 100,000 customers in Montgomery County were still without electric power and more than 100 of the County’s 800 traffic signals were not operational.

The meeting will be held in the Third Floor Council Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The meeting will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon). The broadcast also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at www.montgomerycountymd.gov.

At the meeting, Maryland Public Service Commission Chairman Doug Nazarian will describe how the Commission will assess Pepco's performance in restoring power. Pepco CEO and Chairman of the Board Joe Rigby has been invited to share his perspective on his company's response. The County Executive also has been invited to discuss the County's role in responding to the storm and any lessons learned from the experience. In addition, Maryland State Delegate Brian Feldman and State Senator Rob Garagiola, who sit on General Assembly committees with jurisdiction over utilities, will share their perspectives.

Food Safety after the Storm

If you are one of the 76,500 customers still without power, it is past time for your perishables. Food in the refrigerator is safe if the power has been off for no more than four hours. After that, discard perishables such as meat, poultry, soft cheese, eggs and leftovers. Check out www.fsis.usda.gov/fact_sheets/keeping_food_Safe_during_an_emergency/index.asp
for more details and a chart. A full freezer can keep food frozen for 48 hours after a loss of power. A half-full freezer can keep food frozen for 24 hours.

County's Two Fireworks Displays Cancelled

Due to the continued disruption caused by the severe summer storm last week and the need to apply all available County resources to recovery, Montgomery County has made the decision to cancel both of its fireworks celebrations and related events. The Mid-County Sparkles! Fireworks display was planned for Einstein High School in Kensington and the Germantown Glory fireworks were scheduled at the Maryland SoccerPlex in the South Germantown Recreational Park. In addition, the Mid-County site is still very hazardous due to fallen tree limbs and debris making conditions extremely dangerous. While this is unfortunate, safety must of course come first.

Protect Yourself when Making Repairs after Storm

Here is the full text of the press release from our Office of Consumer Protection:

The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) warns county residents to be cautious when hiring contractors to repair damage caused by last week’s severe storm and advises consumers to do their homework before signing a contract for any home repair or improvement, or tree service work.

“Storm devastation can strike twice if consumers are later victimized by unscrupulous contractors,” said OCP Director Eric Friedman. “Unfortunately, unlicensed contractors frequently follow in the path of storm damage seeking to exploit the misfortune of residents.”

The Office of Consumer Protection offers the following advice to homeowners:

~ Do not panic and hire someone because they are the only company that can come out to the house right away. Make sure the home improvement contractor is licensed with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) by calling 410-230-6309 or check online. Also, make sure the contractor is familiar with and has expertise in repairing the type of damage that your house has sustained, such as roofing or foundation repair.
For tree service or removal, check to see if the business is a licensed tree expert with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Forestry Division at 410-260-8521 or online at www.dnr.maryland.gov. If a licensed company is used, there is a complaint process through the Department of Natural Resources. If an unlicensed company is used, it is often impossible to track down the company, particularly if they have been paid in advance. In addition, consumers should ask to see written verification of the company’s insurance and workers compensation coverage.

~ Get estimates from three contractors. Some fraudulent contractors will capitalize on the situation and overcharge consumers or lead them to believe the damage is worse than it really is. State law requires a written contract for any work completed. A home improvement contract should include the terms and conditions of the warranty. The manufacturer’s warranty should be a separate, written document. The contract must also include: the contractor’s name, address and home improvement license number; the approximate starting and finishing dates; and a description of the work to be done and materials to be used.

~ State law prohibits home improvement contractors from collecting more than one-third of the contract amount as a deposit. If the contract is signed in your home, the contract must allow the consumer three days in which to cancel the contract. Under emergency situations only, the consumer may waive this three-day right to cancel, but must sign a special form to do so.

~Check the contractors’ complaint records with the Office of Consumer Protection at 240-777-3636 or online at http://montgomerycountymd.gov/consumer and the Better Business Bureau at 202-393-8000 or online at www.dc.bbb.org, and with the MHIC and DNR.

OCP, the County’s consumer protection agency, investigates thousands of complaints each year involving automotive sales and repairs, new home purchases, home improvements, credit issues, retail sales, internet services and most other consumer transactions. OCP provides pre-purchase information to consumers, as well as speakers to the community on consumer issues.

For more information, call 240-777-3636 or visit OCP’s website at http://montgomerycountymd.gov/consumer.