ST. LOUIS — New initiatives to help tornado victims were announced Tuesday by St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer.
An electricity reconnection program is underway that allows homeowners access to free electrical inspections and repairs. Electrical contractors can reconnect homeowners to the Ameren grid, according to Spencer.
The program is in partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), St. Louis Home Repair Program, Arch Key Solutions, SACHS Electric and Guarantee Electric.
Organizations have donated $100,000 worth of their time, material and expertise to the program.
“Our neighbors are in jeopardy. Their power grid has returned, but connecting to their houses requires safe installation for those service entrances,” said Rich Ledbetter, CEO of Guarantee Electrical Company.
“We’re going to show up for our neighbors and make sure that they have safe, electrical connections and they can cool down their houses.”
Spencer said several houses already have been evaluated.
The city also launched an emergency stabilization program, which provides free services such as roof tarping, window and door boarding, besides tree trimming and hazardous tree removal and moving debris piles to right-of-way pickup.
In partnership with the St. Louis chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Organization of Minority Architects, homeowners can receive free architectural guidance through the “Ask an Architect” program when renovating their homes.
“This is for homeowners or renters who have questions about the condition of their home, how to start repairs, how to rebuild safely and just kind of get the advice of a licensed architect,” Spencer said.
Meetings will be held every Monday and Wednesday in the Building Division Offices at City Hall, room 425, noon to 3 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to bring photos and details regarding their damaged property.
The city additionally has launched a registry of contractors to help prevent homeowners from being scammed.
Spencer said every registered contractor receives a city issued permit, which has a QR code linking to their verified license, insurance and business credentials.
“We advise in the strongest possible terms, don’t hire a contractor without checking first to see if they’re verified through this program or through some licensing program,” Spencer said.
“You don’t have to use ours, but we are really encouraging contractors from across the city to go through this process.”
To enroll in the programs, visit the city’s website.