-- Bullard Banner photo by Kelly Griffith-Fields Hail damage is evident all over town. The above house and vehicle are just one of many damaged in the storm on Feb. 5. It didn't take long for the roofing contractors and body repairmen to set up shop locally.

With a hail storm that affected almost everyone in the vicinity of Bullard last week, city hall and chamber officials said the calls have already begun.

"I've had calls from companies asking for maps of the city and inquiring about rental property," said Dot West, Bullard Area Chamber of Commerce.

And while most are legitimate companies - City Manager Larry Morgan said residents need to protect themselves.

The Bullard area - as well as Lindale - is a magnet for questionable contractors, he said.

"They are opportunists - pure and simple," he said. Morgan said he has contacted the Tyler Better Business Bureau and residents should do the same.

"If we are made aware of a scam, we'll take action," he said. "But people need to be leary.

"When someone knocks on your door and offers to do any kind of work for you - whether it be roofing, landscaping or whatever - you have to take measures to avoid being ripped off."

Some of those, he said, included never paying for services not rendered and always investigating the company doing the work.

"We have a lot of reputable companies here," he said. "Unfortunately, those who aren't can cloud the field."

Tyler Better Business Bureau spokesperson Kay Robinson agreed.

"Those residents affected by the severe weather need to protect themselves by resisting the desire to act too hastily in trying to get their lives and property back to normal."

Robinson warns consumers there are unscrupulous fly-bynight contractors; also know as "storm chasers" who will show up on your door steps offering to do repair work at unreasonably low prices.

Before you say yes, she said; take some steps to protect yourself:

! Shop around for the best deal. Get written estimates from local, reputable contractors and do not allow a salesperson to rush you into a deal.

-- Photos courtesy of Richard Watson Hail fell across the Bullard area last Tuesday -- even as far as Emerald Bay where the above photos were taken. ! Make sure you get the contractor's name, address, and at least two telephone numbers.

! Ask to see the contractor 's identification and a company business card.

! Ask if the contractor is licensed bonded or insured.

! Demand a written contract with start and end dates, cost of labor and materials, total cost of work, list the type, grade and quality of materials to be used, and whether subcontractors will be used.

! Never pay in advance for labor. If a contractor requires a substantial advance payment for labor, be very suspicious. Scam artists often take advance payments from homeowners and never return to complete the work. If a contractor needs an advance to purchase materials, offer to purchase the materials yourself.

! Do not make a final payment or sign a final release until you are satisfied with the work and know that subcontractors and suppliers have been paid. State law allows unpaid subcontractors and supplier to put lien on your home for bills the contractor failed to pay.

Check unknown companies out with the Tyler Better Business Bureau at 903-581-