In Wake of Storm, Department of Labor Urges Marylanders to Hire Only Licensed Contractors for Repairs

BALTIMORE, July 27 -- The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation issued the following news release:

As clean-up begins on Kent Island following Monday's EF-2 tornado, the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation reminds residents to exercise caution in hiring contractors for repair work. The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing and Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC), a professional licensing board within the Division, urge all Marylanders to hire only licensed contractors for repairs, to include plumbers and HVAC contractors.

"After a major storm or natural disaster, there are those who would profit from the immense need for repair work," said Department of Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. "We urge every Marylander affected by the tornado to be aware of this and to hire their contractors with great care."

To help you choose a qualified, licensed contractor, the Department of Labor offers these guidelines:

Seek only licensed contractors.

By hiring a licensed contractor, you may be eligible for the Guaranty Fund in case you fall victim to unworkmanlike or incomplete work.

Ask prospective contractors to show you their home improvement licenses and general liability insurance certificate.

Check the contractor's licensing status.

You can confirm that a contractor is licensed by going to the Home Improvement Commission website. Choose "License Search."

For more information about home improvement contractor licensing, or to check on contractors' licensing statuses and complaint histories, contact the Maryland Home Improvement Commission at 410-230-6309.

Business owners affected by the tornado must be equally cautious in operating equipment and hiring repair workers. Boiler and elevator inspections should be completed by licensed mechanics, contractors, and commissioned inspectors only:

* No elevator unit should be operated until the equipment has been assessed by a licensed mechanic and inspected by a qualified elevator inspector.

* All boiler equipment should be evaluated by a licensed, experienced contractor who can safely ensure the structural integrity of the unit and verify all safety devices are working correctly.

For information on elevator and boiler safety, call the Safety Inspection Unit at 410-767-0909.