The Morning Call from Allentown, Pennsylvania • 12

FIRST A12 THE MORNING CALL. FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 1992 Inferior workmanship Andrew reveals poor building construction; Florida regulators warn of repair cheating By CATHERINE WILSON Of The Associated Press Profiteering charged in wake of hurricane ATLANTA (AP) Prices for plywood and other construction supplies have soared across the South in the wake of Hurricane Andrew's destruction, and officials in storm-battered Florida said profiteering is rampant. Florida Attorney General Bob Butterworth said yesterday he had subpoenaed several top wood suppliers including industry giants Georgia-Pacific Weyerhaeuser Co. and Louisiana-Pacific Corp. to supply documentation justifying the price hikes.

Prices for most merchandise connected with home building or repairs have risen this week as Andrew, which destroyed thousands of buildings in Florida and Louisiana, put pressure on an industry already experiencing low supplies that has no additional capacity to meet demand created by the story, one Georgia-Pacific official said. Supplies are limited because general demand has been up in recent weeks and production in the Pacific Northwest has been curtailed by environmental disputes. David Evans, of the lumber industry newsletter Random Lengths, said his tracking of prices had been showing moderate increases in lumber and plywood prices nationwide even before the storm. The last weekly survey by Random Lengths, published before Andrew hit, showed a 5 percent rise in lumber prices and a 15 percent increase in plywood prices. stricter in the entire world." Bonzon refused yesterday to speculate about complaints from people who lost their homes that some contractors did not build up to code and cut corners.

At his son-in-law's demolished house south of Miami, Hayes said, "There are complete sections of these roof trusses lying on the ground, and those should never come loose if they are attached properly." Building codes require an 8-inch poured concrete tie beam running the length of a structure to connect the walls to the roof trusses. Perforated metal straps rising from the tie beam must be nailed to the rafters, and metal hurricane clips also bind the beam and rafters. Emergency officials have estimated that 63,000 homes were destroyed by Andrew. A gust of 164 mph was recorded 20 miles from the hurricane's center. "You tie the building together starting with the footings, the walls and the roof.

It's tied so it acts as one unit," said Steve Johns, co-owner of C.G. Chase Construction a commercial builder. "When the winds exceed 160 mph and you have objects flying through the air, all bets are off." Bonzon cautioned homeowners in need of repairs about unscrupulous people passing themselves off as contractors. A temporary certification process is being set up to authorize work by crews licensed out of state, and a 20-member team of state officials arrived yesterday to check certificates and take complaints about previous construction. i' xk Cwr MIAMI Some homeowners victimized by the violent sweep of Hurricane Andrew complained of shoddy workmanship and inferior building materials, and regulators warn they may be cheated again when they seek repairs.

"It's shocking to see what we see, but it's not hard to understand," said Lonnie Hayes, a tire business owner who built homes in Miami for 20 years. "Shoddy construction, unproven construction and a quick buck have been the motive for the last 20 years." Most counties and states in the southeastern United States have adopted a standard regional building code, written by industry and influenced by such factors as regional weather conditions. The Southeast code calls for buildings that can withstand 110 mph winds. In Florida, building codes are issued by each county, and Dade County, which includes Miami, requires buildings that can withstand 125 mph winds. "About 25 years ago during the very rapid growth era of Dade County, there were a lot of shortcuts, and I think that the county was short on inspectors," said former county consumer advocate Walter Dartland, "There's always some of that popping up, but you never find out until you have a disaster.

Now you have a disaster." Carlos Bonzon, director of the county Building and Zoning Department, said the Miami area has the strictest building code in the nation and, "with the exception of Australia, I don't know of any Associated Press Scattered subdivision This aerial view shows the damage done to a subdivision in LaPlace, Wednesday by a tornado spawned by Hurricane Andrew. The twister caused one death and many injuries. La. relieved destruction wasn't worse Disaster could be costliest in history of United States MIAMI Hurricane Andrew caused $6 billion worth of damage in Florida. Or it caused $20 billion worth of damage depending on who's talking.

It may be weeks before anyone really knows, but it appears that Andrew will be recorded as the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history. And the damage in Louisiana hasn't even been added in yet Kate Hale, director of Dade County emergency operations, estimated the storm caused $15 billion to $20 billion in damages. The estimate was based on several factors. The overall value of insured property in the county has been estimated at $250 billion, and 1 0 percent of that destroyed is "a conservative figure considering that almost "half of the county" was ravaged by Andrew, Hale said.

Federal emergency officials earlier estimated the disaster caused $6 billion to $10 billion in damage, although they, like Hale, stressed that their estimate was preliminary. The most expensive natural disaster before Andrew was Hurricane Hugo in 1989. It caused an estimated $5.9 billion damage in South. Carolina, plus another $1 billion damage in North Carolina, for a U.S. mainland total of $6.9 billion.

In addition, it caused an estimated $2 billion damage in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Hurricane Andrew figure also was based on reports from building inspectors, sewer inspectors, fire and police officers, and other workers. South takes last licks JACKSON, Miss. (AP) The last dying breaths of Hurricane Andrew raked Mississippi with heavy rains and strong winds yesterday, threatening some areas with flooding as it gradually lost its punch.

The worst seemed over. Andrew, downgraded to a tropical depression packing winds of 50 mph, spent its fury in the western portion of the state Wednesday, spuming off five tornados, injuring a woman and leaving at least 42,000 households without electricity. The storm, its gusts reduced nearly by half, moved into north Mississippi near Tupelo, still capable of suddenly creating tornadoes. In Vicksburg, at the foot of the Mississippi Delta, 20 people were evacuated from a low-lying subdivision as flood waters drew near late Wednesday. They were allowed to return yesterday.

Other areas susceptible to flooding opened shelters and notified residents to be on guard. A National Guard armory was opened in Collins, southeast of Jackson, as the rain-swollen Okatoma River threatened 60 families. The cleanup began with chain saws and portable generators ringing out. A tow truck righted a toppled trailer and National Guard troops with Humvees and M-16 rifles took up posts. Store owners put up plastic sheets over shattered windows and swept up broken glass with shovels.

Everyone, it seemed, waited for insurance adjusters. Communications were difficult. Local radio stations were out, and newspapers in Franklin and Morgan City haven't been able to publish since Monday. Knee-deep water receded quickly, leaving only scattered pools lying about. Stores and restaurants tried to open; however, most still lacked electricity.

A few resourceful Cajuns cooked on barbecue grills and portable gas stoves and sipped instant coffee. The Salvation Army had 26 canteen trucks out delivering food and water. There was further good news on the gastronomic front: the McQhenny makers of Tabasco Sauce, said its factory on Avery Island, just south of the town of New Iberia, was spared substantial damage. The factory served as a shelter for nearly 250 Tabasco workers during the storm. NEW ORLEANS (AP) As Louisianians made their way back to hurricane-razed coastal neighborhoods yesterday, officials expressed relief that destruction wasn't worse and appealed for medical help at still-crowded shelters.

"We've been spared a major, major disaster," Gov. Edwin Edwards said during a helicopter tour. Storm Andrew, still drenching Dixie as it weakened to a tropical depression, was blamed for one final affront: a pipeline at an offshore natural gas rig apparently damaged by the hurricane caught fire. No pollution was reported and the fire was expected to burn itself out, authorities said. Officials throughout southern Louisiana began compiling damage estimates, but said no numbers would be available at least until today.

Still, estimates likely will be measured in millions of dollars, rather than the billions of more densely populated Florida. "All my things! All my things, my furniture," Linda Henson wept in Bayou Vista, west of Morgan City. Under cloudless skies and steamy heat, a steady stream of cars, slowed by sightseers, returned to the coastal towns where Andrew's eye and 160-mph wind gusts came ashore Wednesday. JOIN HESS'S FOR BACK TO SCHOOL FUN, EXCITEMENT AND PRIZES. IT'S ALL HAPPENING ON SATURDAY AUGUST 29, 1992 FROM 11A.M.

-2 P.M.! DEPARTMENT STORES A HHHB CELEBRATI Make-A-Statement The Button Lady will be at Hess's from 11 a.m. 2 p.m. She'll help your children design their own special button. Plus, they can take it home While supplies last in our Children's Department. Hamilton Mall only.

Register To Win Your Very Own Dynokids Car Your child will cruise around the house in style with this flashy battery operated car. This fantastic car features a top speed of 3.5 m.p.h. and forward and reverse motor. Plus, doors and hood that actually open! So close to the real thing your kids will love it! Register in the Children's Department. Winner will be notified by mail.

All Stores. (The car is recommended for children 2-5 years old, with maximum weight of 65 lbs.) Register To Win A MOO Wardrobe Wow! $100 of the your favorite fashions from all the best names! Let Hess's help you go back to school in super, fashionable style. Take your pick from our wide selection of the latest fall back to school styles. Choose from denim vests and skirts, mock tops, stirrups, fleece separates and more. With a new $100 wardrobe you'll be able to mix and match to create a different outfit everyday.

Register to win in the Children's Department. All stores. Video Capture And Image Manipulation Do not miss this exciting and innovative opportunity! Using a video camera, the computer captures your image. Then, by using our drawing tablet and your imagination, you are able to alter your image on the screen. We'll give you a color laser print of your work to take home and show to your friends! Hamilton Mall only.

PLUS, SPECIAL EVENTS AT HESS'S HAMILTON MALL: Kids, Visit With Our Strolling Troll You know them well, trolls are the latest craze! Shake hands with Hess's very own Troll. You'll love him! Hamilton Mall only. Register To Win A Mountain Bike From Great Escape What better way to ride to school than on a brand new mountain bike. It's built for speed and sturdy to last! Hess's and Great Escape fashions give you this exciting chanceto win! Register in the Children's Department. All stores.

Girls (Sizes 4-14), "Design Your Own Dress" Contest liorV Bring your children in for "Story Time" at Hess's Hamilton Mall. Girls, you have the opportunity to design the dress of your dreams! Imagine what you can do! Start your future as a top fashion designer with help from Hess's and Bonnie Jean. If your design is selected, Bonnie Jean will make that dress just for you. Simply drop your design off in the Girls' Department. Winner will be notified by mail.

All entries become the property of Hess's and will not be returned. All stores. It will ail be taking place on the Lower Level from: 11 a.m. -12 noon and 1 p.m. 2 p.m.

While you're at "Story Time," you can look through the Allentown Public Library display and get the latest information on one of the many super services available for children. Hamilton Mall only. Come In And Meet "Zwibble Dibble" He's colorful, soft, lovable and he's dedicated to teaching young children how to appreciate and take care of the environment, a very important issue for everyone! Hamilton Mall only. Face Painting Put on a happy face in our Children's Department. Our face painting experts will be ready to transform your child into someone exciting.

Hamilton Mall only. Boys, "Design Your Own Fleece Sweat Shirt" Contest Demonstrate your buddipg artistic talent! You could win your very own design on a Gotcha sweat shirt made exclusively for you. Simply complete your design and submit it to the Children's Department What could be more cool than impressing your classmates when you show up in homeroom wearing your winning entry? Winner will be notified by mail. Please make a copy, entries cannot be returned. All stores.

DOUBLE CLICK" COUPITI.RSTORI. ALL HESS'S STORES OPEN SATURDAY 9 A.M. -10 P.M..