Tukwila Mayor Jim Haggerton and Southwest King County Chamber Executive Director Nancy Hinthorne are urging residents to be aware that some unfair business practices have been reported relating to flood preparations.

City officials recommend using a contractor who is licensed and bonded as required by Washington State law.

Also, when selecting a contractor, be sure to ask them about their familiarity with Tukwila City Codes and procedures, and their Tukwila business license number.

"I am confident that our local contractors will work with citizens honestly and fairly to help them protect their homes and businesses" said Haggerton.

The Better Business Bureau offers the following advice for people facing disaster when using a contractor to perform work on their homes:

Homeowners should be suspicious of door-to-door workers who, in order to get the job, may use scare tactics.

Homeowners should check to see if the company's name is on the worker's vehicle, if the company is listed in the telephone directory, and if a street address is provided.

If possible, homeowners should request two or three estimates of the work to be done.

A down payment of 30 percent of the total is standard for the industry. The time when work is to begin is particularly important as many contractors may have a backlog of work due to the situation.

Homeowners should not sign a completion form until they are totally satisfied.

When selecting a contractor, the homeowner should make sure the contract contains a detailed description of the necessary work. A contract which states "repair siding" is an open invitation for abuse.

"In any emergency there are those that want to help, and those that will use the opportunity to take advantage. Tukwila citizens deserve the best service at a reasonable price, said Hinthorne.