ST. LOUIS – Storm cleanup continues in the Central West End and north St. Louis.

“We have 215 local first responder and veteran-owned businesses that can help out when disaster strikes like this,” said Charlie Metzner, founder of the St. Louis Hero Network, a nonprofit that supports local first responders and military families by promoting their businesses.

Metzner is encouraging storm damage victims to look local when hiring clean up and repair crews.

“Do you randomly want to pick somebody off Home Advisor or Angie’s List, people canvassing neighborhoods? Or do you want to pick somebody with some built in integrity and character that’s been serving your community and protecting your community for years?” he said.

Josh McDaniels, owner of Code 3 Contracting, said the damage in the hardest hit neighborhoods is unparalleled.

“Make sure you’re hiring a local company that is not going to be a fly by night company that’s just going to come here, set up an LLC and be gone here in a few months,” he said.

Insurance agent Ed Fogelbach, a St. Louis Hero Network member, shared advice about the claims process.

“Just because the settlement comes through from the adjuster doesn’t mean it’s final. Everything is, you know, something you can discuss. Just get your agent involved,” Fogelbach said.

The Better Business Bureau instructs consumers to resist high-pressure sales and not sign any documents that give the contractor rights to your insurance claims. They advise claimants to read any documents or contracts carefully before signing them.

“If you go to our directory and go under exteriors or construction, you’ll find a wealth of resources of trusted, first responder and veteran-owned companies that you can choose from,” Metzner said.