On Saturday, March 7, 2009, the Rebuilding Information Station (RIS)will partner with the Community Center of St Bernard to offer a free seminar on "Hiring Contractors and Contractor Agreements." The seminar will begin at noon at the Community Center, located at 1107 LeBeau St in Arabi.

The guest speaker at this event will be Ms Deborah Cotton, Editor-in Chief of Louisiana Rebuilds.info. Since rebuilding monies are often less than the actual costs of home repair and construction, it is important for homeowners to know how to hire a professional, reputable contractor and how to develop a thorough legal agreement to protect their interests.

Ms Cotton's presentation will include an introduction to the LouisianaRebuilds.info online ‘Contractor Guide'. This useful resource outlines steps that every homeowner should take to ensure that they are dealing with a legitimate contractor and also have a legal contract in place to protect them while they are rebuilding their home.

The Rebuilding Information Station (RIS) is a collaborative effort of the University of New Orleans Center for Hazards Assessment, Response and Technology, the LSU AgCenter, Tulane University's City Center and The Road Home. The Contractor Education seminar on March 7 is open to the public and no reservations are needed. For more information, please contact RIS at 504-280-5577.