Robert Mears clears a fallen tree from Estes St. in the Regency Park subdivision. TMP photo/Chad Mason

   Emergency crews and other city officials have only just begun to assess the damage from yesterday's storm that blew away parts of northwestern Murfreesboro.

   Residents are urged to continue to stay off affected city streets and not to attempt to enter businesses or residences.
  Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen is inspecting the damage this morning..

   Call 890-1934 if you need assistance or want to volunteer to help. Emergency shelter is arranged at the New Vision Baptist Church.  Call 769-0092 for more information. Shower facilities are available at Sports*Com, 120 DeJarnette Lane

   Brush, limbs and other yard waste only may be taken free of charge to the City of Murfreesboro Public Works facility at 4765 Florence Rd. (just off Northwest Broad Street) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The county's landfill at 6000 Landfill Rd. off East Jefferson Pike will also open to receive demolition debris such as siding, shingles, building materials and related material from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Those transporting such debris should note this is NOT the BFI Middlepoint Landfill.

   City crews and contractor crews working with the city will be in the damaged neighborhoods collecting trees, limbs, brush and demolition materials. Please divide this debris into two types, yard waste and construction materials. Owners should note that city crews and their contractors cannot enter private property to remove any of this debris.

   Clearly marked city building and codes officials will be canvassing the affected neighborhoods throughout the day assessing the damage, Codes Director Gary Whitaker said last night. Inspectors are expecting the process to take several days due to the extent of the damage.

   Officials have said at least 100 homes were completely destroyed by the noontime tornado and hundreds of other homes damaged substantially.

   Homeowners are cautioned to be aware of fraud schemes or scams involving home improvements or repairs in the wake of the storm or bogus solicitations for relief charities, Murfreesboro Police Department spokesman Officer Kyle Evans said.

   A common scam following a major storm involves promises of home improvement or repair of damage, he said. Questionable contractors often take money without doing work, perform poorly or add on extra costs during the completion of the job.

   To avoid such scams: work with a contractor you know; check references; get repair agreements in writing; don't pay large sums in advance and don't make final payment until work is done to your satisfaction.

   Another common scam involves telemarketers who contact residents and solicit money for various charities or relief organizations, Evans said. Tips to follow to avoid being taken by fraudulent telemarketing calls include not giving out credit card or checking account numbers to anyone over the phone unless you have previously done business with the company, get details in writing, give only to disaster relief charities you know are reliable and beware of "copycat" names that sound like reputable charities.

   Consumers may also want to check out organizations by contacting the Better Business Bureau. See the most recent press conference with the mayor and other officials.

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