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Here's what you need to MUST know to protect yourself in the days and weeks ahead...
Question: Who mobilizes after a disaster faster than politicians or TV news crews?
Answer: The bad guys, ready to sucker vulnerable consumers with good deals and guaranteed offers that sound too good to be true...(because they are!)
A second wave of victims are quietly being created as you read this by opportunistic  con men making promises of timely performance and cheap prices following Hurricane Ike.
Desperate homeowners and consumers willing to override common sense are setting themselves up for financial disaster by biting on offers from door to door salesmen and telephone pole advertisements targeting victims of the most recent natural disaster to hammer the gulf coast over the last month.
Here are the most likely "fly-by-night help cons" to watch out for in the days and weeks ahead:
1. The "We can help you get federal aid/FEMA dollars fast" scam: Beware of anyone who professes to have an inside track to get you help obtaining you much-needed rebuilding/recovery dollars from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) or any official sounding federal, state, local or charitable organization, like the Red Cross. 
No one can help you get financial assistance any faster than you can on your own...period. And the bad guys will usually start off with a "we'll do this at no cost to you" line that quickly evolves into the "if you want your claim expedited-we can do it!-for a nominal up front fee of _________."
No matter how nice they are...no matter how much faux documentation they show you...no matter how convincing they are, do not bite!
2. Roofers, painters, appliance repairmen and movers...BEWARE of ALL of these service providers:
a. I'm not even remotely insinuating that everyone offering these services is out to con you, but you have GOT to use your head before you sign-up with anyone...because the bad guys know that desperate consumers are far more willing to take a chance under these circumstances.
b. Anyone offering references for other people in town who have successfully utilized their services is a big red flag.
If I give you names of people and addresses under these circumstances, the bad guys know that most people won't check because they'll rationalize that they either don't have time to call or drive by the residence...or that they couldn't reach the people anyway, since everyone's in the same electricity-less boat. 
References-under these circumstances-are gonna be rough to verify and have any true investigative value. And even if you DO get a "live reference" on a cellphone, how do you know they're legit? How do you know they're not in bed with the guy/girl trying to con you. The answer is...you don't.
Internet Advocates: Friends or Family You Trust to Check References
If you have a cellphone that works, you have no excuses! Connect with a friend or family member who has Internet access and ask for their assistance/ask them to be your "on-line eye-and-ears advocate" before you sign-the-line with any person or company offering their services in post-Ike Texas. This means you're going to ask them to check out any individual or company offering repair or moving services
Step One: Confirm they are who they say they are! Just because they have a business card or a truck with their name and contractor license number painted on the side doesn't mean they are who they say they are!
Ask for their driver's license first! I don't care if it's uncomfortable. Do it...and don't just take a cursory glance at it, write down all of the information on the license! NOW you're ready to go to Step Two... 
Step Two: Check out the contractor before you sign a contract or pay any money. Verify the their licensing claims via these terrific on-line resources:
From the State of Texas: This is a great general starting point to verify/confirm someone has the proper licensing, by type of business!
Check out specific licensing requirements and other smart info, courtesy of the State of Texas below... 
b. Air conditioning repair...
c. Mold remediation (license verification link here, too)...
d. Electricians...
e. Homebuilders & Residential Remodelers, general info...
f. Search Homebuilders & Residential Remodelers by name...
g. Plumbers...
Step Three: Ask your Internet-capable advocate(s) to use whatever on-line resources available-including, but not limited to-websites run by...
The Better Business Bureau
Scambusters! The RipOffReport
3. Papering your trail and paying for the services/Insurance Claims/Part I: In the aftermath of a major disaster, the road to recovery will almost certainly involve your insurance (homeowners, renter/tenant, automobile, marine, flood, etc.). Taking a few immediate steps can significantly increase ability to obtain a quick settlement from your carrier. Here are some tips to help you survive the process:
• If possible, photograph the exterior and interior of the premises, showing the damage.
• Immediately call your insurance agent to report your claim. The agent will prepare a Notice of Loss form and an adjuster will be assigned to assist you.
• Separate the damaged from the undamaged property, and put it in the best possible order for the adjuster's examination. If reasonably possible, protect the property from further damage.
• Good records of your insured property can be of significant assistance to your and your adjuster. Use your inventory to work with the adjuster in presenting your claim.
• Damaged property which presents a health hazard or which may hamper local clean-up operations should be disposed of. Just be sure to adequately describe discarded items so that, when the adjuster examines your losses and your records, these article are included in the documentation.
• Good records speed up settlement of your claim. Compile a room-by-room inventory of missing or damaged goods, and include manufacturer's names, dates and places of purchases, and prices. Try to locate receipts or proofs of purchase, especially for major appliances, and note manufacturers' names, serial numbers, prices, and dates of purchase.
4. Papering your trail and paying for the services/Part II:
Don't be shy about asking for and reviewing a contract BEFORE you sign it. "Ready-fire-AIM!" is not a smart thing to do anytime, but especially when your back's against the wall in the days or weeks ahead. If you follow these steps, you'll reduce the chances of ending up on the victim's list.
Bonus real estate-related insights! Know anyone who can't afford their home? Maybe they're in a mortgage with payments that keep going up as their property values keep going down. 
You'd be surprised at home many Texans are stuck in illegal or predatory loans. There are ways to force mortgage companies to re-write your loans. Find out more at VoidMyMortgage.com.
Wanna learn more? Watch videos of Benjamin Dover explaining how distressed homeowners can force their mortgage companies to the negotiating table here!
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