ALERT: SPI could be without power for at least 7 days

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND - Restoring of power to the Island make take as long as seven days, aAccording to American Electric Power.

"We are strongly urging AEP to work diligently to restore power to South Padre Island," said Mayor Robert N. Pinkerton Jr. "The delay in recovery will have a significant impact on this Island."

State emergency officials will continue to distribute supplies to the South Padre Island from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark until power is restored. Supplies include bottled water, bagged ice, food and hygiene packets.

Due to the power conditions, a 9 p.m. daily curfew has been set until power is restored. Avoid any contact with downed power lines.

Water was restored. However, it is currently unsafe for consumption. The Laguna Madre Water District issued a water advisory until further notice. Water for drinking, cooking and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. For more information on the advisory, call 956-572-0314, 956-371-3131 or 956-572-0316.

According to the State Attorney General’s Office, property owners along the Gulf Coast  are cautioned to be wary of home repair scam artists and other fraudulent businesses in the aftermath of stormy weather.

When consumers turn to businesses for services to help in the clean-up and rebuilding process, they should consider these tips:

• Deal only with licensed or bonded contractors or builders;

• Call your insurance adjuster to get an estimate of the damage and repair cost;

• Be wary of contractors who solicit services door-to-door, especially those from another city or companies unfamiliar to you;

• Get the salesperson’s license plate number;

• Don’t be rushed into signing a contract, and never pay up-front for promised work;

• Secure the terms of any warranty work in writing; and

• Ask for references, or rely on recommendations from friends or relatives who have had experience with honest contractors.

Those who believe they have been deceived by fraudulent business practices, may call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 252-8011 or file a complaint online at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov