内容摘要：The more nonessential expenses you can pause, the more you can save for an emergency.

The more nonessential expenses you can pause, the more you can save for an emergency.

The same goes for contractors.“After a disaster, people looking to rebuild will get a flood of contractors coming to them and saying they can help and they ‘know the system.’ Sometimes they’re looking for a quick payout,” Layugan said. “Be skeptical of anyone who promises immediate clean-up or immediate repairs. Oftentimes those types of individuals seek cash payments up front or do things without written contracts. Be very wary if anyone who wants cash up front or who urges you to ‘act immediately.’”

Online review sites and searches for the contractor’s name with the word “scam” or “complaints” can help, as can confirming the license and insurance information of anyone you work with.“Always do your own research and get a second estimate,” Layugan said.In 2023 alone, roughly 1 million people reported identity theft, 2.6 million people reported fraud, and 1.9 million reported other types of scams to the FTC. Here are some ways to protect yourself from identity theft and scams, especially after disasters:

It can take time to realize. According to the FTC, signs include:

— A phone, electricity, or gas account opened in your name

— Debt collection calls for accounts you didn’t open“A natural start is to develop policies to target these underserved communities with enhanced attention and support,” Kammen said.

Albert said it should go a step further with direct economic investments in communities most vulnerable to climate change.“Economic resources should go directly to those on the frontlines of the climate crisis to develop and implement their own community-led solutions,” she said. “Communities rather than profits must be the motive if we are truly going to solve the climate crisis.”

Follow Drew Costley on Twitter:Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about AP’s climate initiative