Crist: Prepare Yourself – Hurricane Season Starts Tomorrow
Floridians have been encouraged to be prepared for hurricane season, that begins June 1, by Attorney General Charlie Crist. The attorney general cautioned residents and visitors to be aware of the dangers the season can bring and urged a state of readiness for the storms predicted this season.
Since May 21, sales tax charges have been waived on certain hurricane-related commodities to encourage preparation and readiness. Crist thanked those consumers who took advantage of the sales tax holiday and encouraged those who still need to stock up on supplies to do so early and not wait until a storm is only hours away.
“We’ve seen how destructive storms can be and how important it is to be prepared,” Crist said. “Lives can be saved and property loss can be mitigated if we act before storms arrive.”
Last week, the federal government predicted a “very active” hurricane season, with 13 to 16 named storms, eight to 10 of which will becoming hurricanes, including four to six that will be classified as “major” hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher.
Crist joined other state officials in calling for Floridians to prepare early for the storm season. He also reminded citizens to beware of businesses or individuals overcharging for food, water, ice, gas, lodging and generators and for necessary materials needed once an emergency has been declared by the governor. This practice, known as price gouging, is against Florida law.
During the past two record-setting hurricane seasons, the Attorney General’s Office received more than 14,000 complaints through its price gouging hotline. The office conducted thousands of preliminary investigations, initiated 83 formal investigations and filed 17 price gouging lawsuits against hotels, generator businesses, tree removal companies and other businesses. To date, the Attorney General’s Office has recovered more than $1.8 million in restitution or reimbursements for Florida consumers from price gouging settlements and other resolutions.
Other investigations and settlement negotiations are ongoing.
Crist also cautioned consumers to be wary of business scams that might arise in the wake of storms, including building repair and tree removal companies that come into storm-affected areas. The attorney general said residents should deal whenever possible with established local companies when they contract for repairs or arrange financing to pay for any repairs that might not be covered by insurance.
Source: Florida Attorney General’s Office
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