Officials: Beware Unregistered Chimney Sweeps

Patch thanks the  for provided this important notice:

CARMEL — Jean Noel, Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell and Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith are alerting residents of Putnam County to unregistered chimney sweeps operating in Putnam County.

Recently, the county’s consumer affairs department has received reports that
Empire Chimney Corporation, purported to be a Long Island-based chimney repair service, is soliciting work from county residents. Records indicate that this company is not authorized to conduct work in Putnam County since it is not registered to do so.

Further research shows that Empire Chimney Corporation uses other corporate names – among them being: All Care Chimney Corporation and World Class Chimney Corporation.

Extra vigilance should be given to those working on residential chimneys. The
average person cannot discern whether chimney repairs are truly needed, or whether the work is completed properly. Improper work can result in dangerous, even deadly, carbon monoxide leaks and fires.

Director Noel, County Executive Odell and Sheriff Smith are urging residents to contact the local consumer affairs office to ensure the prospective contractor is properly registered to do the work. The Putnam County Department of Consumer Affairs may be reached on their web site; www.putnamcountyny.govconsumeraffairs; or by calling Director Noel at 845-808-1617 ext. 46128.

According to Sheriff Smith, investigators from his office and consumer affairs
officials are investigating Empire Chimney Corporation’s operation in Putnam County. The Sheriff noted that it is a class “A” misdemeanor to conduct a home improvement business in this county without being registered to do so. A conviction of this statute may result in a $1,000 fine for each occurrence and a jail term of up to one year in the Putnam County Correctional Facility as determined by a court.