6-27-2024 11:07am

Ruidoso Fire Containment at 64% and 55%, Beware of Scammers

Chris Edwards Editor

The Ruidoso fires continue in the battle for containment. The re-entry map has been updated. Green areas are now open to residents. Red areas remain EXCLUSION ZONES and are off-limits. Blue areas are NO ENTRY ZONES with multiple access points to the Exclusion Zones and are also off-limits to residents.

Affected Area: Over 25,000 acres
Containment: South Fork; 64% | Salt; 55%
Personnel: Nearly 1,000 working tirelessly to protect lives and property
Risks: Significant due to ongoing fires and potential flooding/debris flows from incoming storms
Location: Mescalero Tribal, US Forest Service land, and areas around the Village of Ruidoso
Road Closures: In effect for No Entry and Exclusion Zones

FEMA is setting up a disaster response camp in Alamogordo on the parking lot property owned by Medlin Ramps.

In the wake of recent disasters, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (NMDHSEM) are urging residents to stay vigilant against post-disaster fraud and scams. These fraudulent attempts can come through various channels, including phone calls, mail, email, the Internet, or even in-person visits. Con artists are often creative and resourceful, making it crucial for residents to stay alert and cautious. Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

FEMA does not license or certify contractors. However, they strongly recommend using local contractors who are known and trusted within the community. Scam artists from out of town often arrive quickly after a disaster, looking to exploit vulnerable residents. Before hiring a contractor, it’s essential to verify their credentials. Ensure they are licensed to work in New Mexico by contacting the New Mexico State Licensing Board for Contractors. You can visit their website at rld.nm.gov/about-us/public-information-hub/online-services or call them at (505) 476-4500.

Be Alert to Potential Scams

Fake or unlicensed contractors may attempt to take advantage of residents affected by the wildfires. As insurance settlements, grants, and loans provide homeowners with the means to repair their homes, it’s crucial to ensure the people hired are qualified and trustworthy. FEMA does not pay contractors directly; instead, homeowners will be reimbursed by FEMA for eligible expenses.

Common Contractor Scams and Warning Signs:

Door-to-Door Solicitations: Be cautious of contractors who show up uninvited.
High-Pressure Sales or Scare Tactics: Legitimate contractors won’t rush you to make a decision.
Demand for Cash, Large Down Payments, or Full Payment in Advance: These are major red flags.
Special Deals or Extremely Low Bids: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Verbal Agreements Only: Always insist on a written contract.
Out-of-State Contractors Without a Permanent Place of Business or Insurance: Verify their legitimacy and local presence.
Inadequate References: Reliable contractors will have verifiable references.

Recognizing these warning signs can save you from significant financial and emotional distress. If you encounter suspicious activity, report it immediately to your local police department, the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-223-0814, or the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Section. Visit nmag.gov/consumer-protection-1.aspx or submit a complaint via the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General's page at secure.nmag.gov/ecs.

Additionally, you can report suspected fraud to the Better Business Bureau by calling (505) 346-0110 or visiting bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-serving-new-mexico-and-southwest-colorado.

For the latest information on New Mexico's recovery from the wildfires and flooding, visit fema.gov/disaster/4795. Stay informed by following FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and facebook.com/femaregion6.

Here are several resources that can help if you were affected by the fires.

Unemployment assistance

The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions hopes to soon begin offering Disaster Unemployment claims.“If your employment has been affected by the South Fork or Salt fires the department is waiting for federal approval and guidance to begin taking claims,” the NMDWS reports.

In the meantime, you may file a Standard Unemployment Insurance claim, which will be the first step in the process.

You can do so online at www.jobs.state.nm.us or via phone at 1-877-664-6984 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Do not reach out to the Workforce Connections Center in Ruidoso, though. It is closed. The fire resource hot line is 1-833-663-4736.

You are eligible for the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) if:

• You were employed, self-employed or were scheduled to begin work but are not able to work due to the disaster.

• Are unable to reach your place of employment due to disaster related conditions.

• You can no longer work due to physical damage to your place of employment.

• If you can establish that your employment was your principal source of income.

• You cannot work because you were injured as a direct result of the disaster.

• If you became the breadwinner or major support of the household because of the death of the primary breadwinner of the household due to the disaster.

The DUA weekly benefits are payable only within the Disaster Assistance Period determined by the federal disaster declaration imposed by the president.

Insurance Issues:

If you’re having trouble reaching your insurance company or accessing your policy, you can reach out to the office of the New Mexico Superintendent of Insurance at 1-833-485-1336 or go online to www.osi.state.nm.us.

New Mexico Superintendent of Insurance Alice Kane issued an emergency order on June 18.

“This is necessary to protect access to insurance and the stability of the insurance markets during the emergency,” Kane said. “Residents who have left their homes may have lost access to records and documents that would assist them in filing claims.”

The State of New Mexico has ordered insurers who write property, homeowner, automobile, or healthcare policies for the next 120 days shall:

• Provide a grace period for payment of premiums and offer a payment plan.

• Waive deductibles.

• Postpone cancellations and non-renewals.

Extend reporting requirements for claim submissions.

Contact the New Mexico Office of the Superintendent of Insurance at www.osi.state.nm.us for additional information.

Disaster aid

The State of New Mexico’s Disaster Case Managers and representatives of other state agencies are available to coordinate resources at the Roswell Convention and Civics Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., six days a week at 912 N. Main St., Roswell, NM 88201.

June 20, President Biden declared a major disaster in New Mexico, authorizing federal aid to assist state, tribal and local recovery efforts.

Federal assistance will be available to individuals in Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Tribe, including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and additional programs aimed at helping individuals and business owners recover from the disaster, the White House posted on its website.

Affected residents and business owners can apply for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or through the FEMA App.