The people affected by Sunday’s storms are dealing with more than simply property destruction. Many people claim they are locked in a never-ending cycle of solicitors visiting their houses and promising to make repairs.
“I’ve had to be rude today because yesterday I was nice, I entertained it,” according to Lisa McElyea.
McElyea claimed she had been approached by roofers at least 30 times since the storm. Her neighbors have multiple business cards put around their doors, and some homeowners have told NBC 5 that they no longer answer the door.
“It’s frustrating and it makes me angry, and today I decided to go ahead and use my rights and tell them to get off my property or I’m going to call the police,” according to McElyea.
Across town, handwritten placards warn solicitors not to knock.
Betsy Wilson, who had a tree fall on her SUV, said she posted a note on her door after nine individuals knocked within an hour on Monday morning.
“I understand, they’re trying to make money. I understand they’re trying to do business. “But it’s a little early after such a big storm,” Wilson remarked.
Anyone selling door-to-door in Anna must obtain a permission.
Anna police said they generally receive one solicitor application each month, but in the last two days, they’ve received 70 – all from roof and hail repair companies.
Police said they are verifying permits, closing down solicitors who do not have one, and instructing them on the procedure.
“Nobody’s had permits that they’ve shown me,” McElyea said, adding that if repairs are required, she will contact her insurance carrier.
She stated that she wants the influx of solicitors to cease.
“I am a friendly person,” she explained. “Today I wasn’t friendly.”
