LAS VEGAS — Not a week after my house burned down in the Calf Canyon Fire, someone wanted to buy my land. My response involved a word which auto-incorrect would likely change to “duck.” I’m sure you understand both the word and the sentiment. I’ve heard other accounts of victims approached while still grieving and confused.
Let’s face it, disaster can bring out the best in humanity, and it can also draw the vultures. While contractors can be critical and beneficial to recovery efforts, there is also a need to do due diligence in assuring contracts are cost effective, efficient, and in the best interest of the communities served. Too often the people affected are not included in the decision-making process.
The risks of counter-productive or even abuse of contract services will likely be especially critical as a result of the nearly $4 billion pending in federal funds specifically designated to “make whole” those areas devastated by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fires. I suspect a sure sign of a large pot of as yet unincumbered federal funds can be identified by the cadre of contractors vying for the financial opportunities. As a matter of fact, I’ve already seen signs.
I have the pleasure of participating in a very promising planning effort in Mora County which is being facilitated by the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC), a well-respected national nonprofit organization. RCAC has a long history of aiding rural communities by facilitating those communities in finding and implementing their own solutions. Recently, the group received a rather testy email from a consultant based in an urban area, which assumed the effort was not coordinating with other groups participating in recovery planning. It was marked “urgent.” I responded, pointing out that groups he listed had representatives participating in the RCAC facilitated process. I did not receive a reply.
It was a pretty awful email. In essence, he was saying we shouldn’t exist and that all efforts for planning should fall under the Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG), which was created under FEMA’s guidance as the clearinghouse for philanthropic efforts. He didn’t seem to know that a co-chair from the LTRG is a participant in the Mora-based planning. While I appreciate and understand the role of the LTRG, I am concerned with the risk of extending FEMA’s influence and control to the nonprofit sector. I do strongly support communication and coordination between groups. I will say that I’m not surprised in the least that an urban-based contractor would want all resources to have FEMA influence and control.
My concerns about FEMA’s policies with contractors are shared by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). In a report dated May 9, 2019, concerning disaster contracting, the GAO stated:
FEMA did not fully coordinate with states and localities on certain contracts and encountered communication and coordination challenges with other federal agencies. Effective coordination helps FEMA ensure stakeholders have the tools needed to facilitate their disaster response efforts.
From multiple sources, I have heard of conversations tied, either directly or indirectly, with the FEMA Claims Office that there are concerns that state and local entities would not be able to manage the large sums of money allocated for recovery. I’m hoping my concern is without grounds, but I fear this is a precursor to turning over administration of local reconstruction to urban-based contractors. I wonder about FEMA’s history in managing its contractors, especially considering the enormity of what they must manage. The GAO has repeatedly noted FEMA deficiencies. Personally, I trust our local leadership, especially with guidance from the state level, far more than I would trust outside consultants to make the decisions for how our communities need to rebuild.
We, the communities affected by these fires and floods, have the right, even the obligation to determine our own destiny. When doing training for nonprofit organizations, I have spoken many times about the hazards of the concept of “charity” which has roots in the feudal days of Europe and, in many ways, continues to this day. There is one assumption that is deeply ingrained, and, in my opinion, highly destructive. There is an assumption that those needing help are inferior to those giving help. Therefore, the helpers can dictate to the helped.
As communities and as individuals, we need to watch closely how reconstruction is planned, funded and implemented. FEMA should not and cannot have the power to decide who has control over our recovery. We must maintain a strong voice especially should it prove true that FEMA wishes to relinquish oversight of reconstruction efforts to outside contractors.
Enough about that. Not all post disaster predators are the big-scale ones. I also want to address caution to the individuals who are striving to rebuild. The Federal Trade Commission has released consumer advice on how to avoid post-disaster scams. Highlights include:
• Contact insurance companies for guidance in assessing damage and to confirm what work is covered by insurance.
• Research if debris and tree removal services are required to be licensed in your area.
• Research a contractor’s work and reputation.
• Look for complaints about contractors through consumer protection agencies.
• Get more than one estimate.
• Look for signs of a scam, like a contractor insisting in expensive temporary fixes or needing a credit card number for “special needs.”
• Read the contract carefully. What’s more, have a contract.
I also recommend following some of the social media sites created for those who are affected by the fires and floods. For example, the Calf Canyon-Hermit’s Peak Fire Recovery Resources and Info page on Facebook. Visiting the Neighbors Helping Neighbors events for fire and flood victims can also be a good source of information, including warnings about possible scams.
Kayt Peck has been an author for 30 years and has written six novels. She can be reached at herself@kaytpeck.com.