Storm-hit householders are being warned against the likelihood of rogue traders trying to profit from their misery.
Trading standards officers say residents should be wary of workmen who turn up on their doorsteps offering to repair storm damage at often exorbitant prices.
Philip Holman, head of Durham County Council's trading standards unit, said: "After storms, there is an increase in cold-calling by people claiming to be builders and roofers offering to do work.
"But if things go wrong, there is little prospect of redress as the trader can rarely be traced.
"Often these people have no real building skills and charge exorbitant prices for sub-standard work."
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