Post-Sandy, Chamber of Commerce Offers Warning of Fraud, Price Gouging

I believe that all residents including myself were affected by Hurricane Sandy through either loss of power, fallen trees, flooding, damage to our homes or unnecessary stress.

For most, it has become a daunting task to secure fuel for our vehicles and to maintain our home generators if we lost power, which is reminding me of theenergy crisis of the 1970s.

As president of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, I want to remind friends and family that reports of price gauging by gas stations and companies that sell generators and building supplies has surfaced as well as fictional charities that were set up to help storm victims. We suggest to shop locally and to use chamber members that are reputable partners in our community.

Please verify charity organizations prior to making contributions as well.

Despite these challenging circumstances, many of us have come together to help those in need, especially our volunteer fire departments, emergency medical services, Rescue and Recovery, community emergency response teams and our police department which exemplifies the pride we take in our community.

Your Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Parsippany Area Visitor Center stand ready to assist our community, its residents and businesses.

For your convenience we are providing the following links for federal assistance: http://www.fema.gov/news-release/federal-aid-programs-state-new-jersey-disaster-recovery-2 or www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Or call 800-621-FEMA (3362). 

Wishing all of you safety and security and better days ahead.

Robert J. Peluso
President, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce
Founder, Parsippany Area Visitor Center