LUTHER, Okla. – When storms roll through, ‘storm chasing’ contractors aren’t too far behind.
There’s damage all over Paul and Phyllis Dragus’ property.
“You can see where the roof is blown off,” Phyllis said.
She hasn’t slept a wink, because she’s been worried sick about her horses.
‘Easy’ went missing after the fence went down.
“He had to have been, say, 4 acres over at least,” she said.
The last thing Phyllis and husband Paul need right now is being pushed into paying for shoddy and overpriced work.
There are reports of storm chasing contractors already driving up and down Luther road.
“The little lady was pushy,” Phyllis said. “She was with a roofing company.”
She says the guy wanting to do tree work insisted he get right to work.
“He just walks up and says ‘Let me clear this driveway for you.’ I thought ‘Just leave it alone. Leave it alone.”
The Dragus’ know not to go with the first contractor who shows up on their doorstep.
The family is a bunch of survivors.
Their home was damaged by a tornado in 2013, but they weathered their worst storm in 2005 when they buried their son, Sergeant Jonathan Dragus, an Oklahoma City police officer, killed in the line of duty.
“Jonathan is my special angel. I know that,” Phyllis said. “I feel his presence all the time. He was with me. I know that. He’s protected me many a times.”
The family will pick up the pieces one more time, and they’re not in any hurry.
The In Your Corner bottom Line:
- Stay alert, and don’t rush anything.
- Get written estimates from local contractors.
- Are they insured? Are they bonded?
- Remember roofers, plumbers and electricians must carry a state license, so demand they show you one. Verify licenses here.
