HOUSTON -- A plan to require roofers to register with the City of Houston before they can proceed with Ike-related repair work has been banished to a City Council holding cell. Council members voted Wednesday to send the Mayor’s plan back to the drawing board, which effectively kills the plan.

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In the meantime, Mayor Bill White has set up a hotline for residents to call to find out whether a roofing company has insurance. That number is 713-837-ROOF.

Without insurance, companies that damage a home may not be required to repair it—or if a worker is injured on the job, the roofers can sue the homeowner for damages. Texas is one of the few states in the nation that does not require licenses for roofers.

Already, White has taped a commercial to advertise the hotline and tell residents to be careful when hiring contractors to do roof repair work. The Houston Better Business Bureau also maintains a list of credible companies.