Westside Home Builders Association (WHBA) has established an emergency referral hot line, 678-715-0904, in response to the flooding disaster in the tri-county area of Carroll, Douglas and Haralson counties.

“Local residents and businesses can call and get the names of WHBA member contractors who are available to provide emergency assistance and repair quotes,” said Chris Collier, WHBA executive officer.

Collier said the WHBA members are licensed contractors and will have general liability and Worker’s Comp insurance.

“They’re local companies and will be around when their work is done,” he said. “You can call WHBA at 678-715-0904 to verify the membership if they don’t have proof of membership.”

Collier said homeowners should also obtain copies of the contractor’s insurance in case someone is injured on the job.

Collier warned of “unqualified contractors” and “unscrupulous roofing companies” who come into an area after a disaster to make a quick profit and then move on.

“We recommend that you don’t pay the contractor until the work is done,” he said. “It’s an immediate red flag if a contractor wants part or all the money up front.”

Collier said in cases where the contractor wants assistance in the purchase of materials, the check should be made payable to the supplier of the materials and not the contractor.

Additional information is available on the WHBA Web site, www.westsidehba.com ,and e-mail can be sent to whba@bellsouth.net.