The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is warning homeowners in the areas affected by the recent tornado about possible scams.

• If you have damage to your home or other structures, please be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar companies or contractors. 
• Be alert for individuals who are pushy, insist on giving you an immediate quote, or ask for money upfront. 
• If you have homeowners’ insurance, refer all contractors to your insurance company. 
• Do not let anyone pressure you into making a down payment by claiming they will be too busy to return later. 
• If a contractor is pushy, use caution.
• For those with tree damage, please also be aware of individuals or companies from outside the area who offer to clean up your yard for cash or a discounted price if you agree immediately and pay a deposit. 
• Be cautious of people who begin work without permission and then demand payment. Again, refer all individuals and companies to your insurance provider. If they are pushy, use caution.

If you don’t live in the affected areas, please stay out of the area so emergency and cleanup crews can do their work safely and efficiently.

Emergency Manager Manny DeLaRosa stated that a non-profit organization has a crew assessing the damage at the affected sites in preparation for a volunteer cleanup crew that is scheduled to deploy in the coming days. More details will come once the assessment is completed.

“We will have a link posted on our website (at casscountymi.org/tornado) as soon as they are ready where people can fill out the application requesting assistance,” DeLaRosa said.

As cleanup continues, many have reached out to ask how to assist those affected by the tornado. A list of resources and opportunities to donate is available at casscountymi.org/tornado.