Fairfax County Emergency Blog for Latest Storm-Related Information

Fairfax County has created a blog to give citizens emergency information. Here are the hightlights:

Fairfax County Cooling Centers

The following RECenters will be open for those without power and others seeking relief from the heat:

• Lee District RECenter, 6601 Telegraph Road, Franconia, Virginia, 703-922-9841, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Mount Vernon RECenter, 2017 Belle View Blvd., Alexandria, Virginia, 703-768-3224, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Oak Marr RECenter, 3200 Jermantown Road, Oakton, Va., 703-281-6501, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• South Run RECenter, 7550 Reservation Drive, Springfield, Virginia, 703-866-0566, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Cub Run RECenter, 4630 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly, VA 20151, 703-817-9407, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

These open RECenters are offering free space to cool down, relax and recharge mobile devices. Those wishing to shower may do so for $2 per person. General admission rates apply for other RECenter activities, such as swimming.

Avoid Repair Fraud

The aftermath of severe storm damage often results in increased consumer complaints due to contractor fraud or shoddy repairs by unlicensed contractors.

Consumers, anxious to make their homes livable again, may let their guard down and overlook the standard warning signs of a home repair scam. Using good judgment and taking the necessary precautions could save you money and frustration.

• Make sure the contractor you hire is licensed.
• Make sure the contractor has insurance.
• Verify that permits have been obtained.
• Check the contractor’s complaint history.
• Get detailed written estimates and insist on a written contract.
• Do not pay more than 10 percent down and do not let payments get ahead of the work.

Find more information at the Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Branch and Recover and Rebuild.

The Virginia Bureau of Insurance has specially trained staff to help consumers with their disaster-related insurance questions or problems. More information is available online or contact the Bureau of Insurance at 804-371-9185 (Property and Casualty Division) or 804-371-9691 (Life and Health Division) or toll-free at 1-877-310-6560.  People with hearing or speech impairments may call through the SCC’s Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and hard of hearing (TDD) at 804-371-9206. Correspondence may be mailed to the Bureau of Insurance at P.O. Box 1157, Richmond, VA 23218.