Entrepreneurs using storm damage to make money
ISSAQUAH, Wash. -- The fallen trees and limbs that now litter neighborhoods throughout the region are presenting a golden opportunity for local entrepreneurs and scavengers.
Last week's storm left more than a quarter-million homes and businesses without power, but it's also helping some people make a little extra money.
Maintenance worker James Roskie said he's contracting with business owners to help clean up parking lots.
"It's an extra day's work for me," he said. "Just these parking lots, lots of stuff all over the place."
Roskie isn't the only person trying to take advantage of the situation, either. Signs advertising clean-up services are popping up all over the place.
While some people are looking to make money, others just want to help their neighbors and themselves.
A fallen tree in a neighbor's yard represents free fuel for Geoff Stenning's wood stove.
Stenning and his dad, Simon, have spent the past few days slicing up as much wood as they can.
"I'm just cutting it up and making firewood out of it, so if something like this happens next year I'll be prepared and have enough wood to heat my house," he said. "I'm not trying to make any commerce here. I'm just trying to help out my neighborhood."
The storm brought out the best in some people, but others are using it as an excuse to steal.
Many residents said they've been targeted by so-called "scavengers," who cut up and steal wood without asking the homeowner.
Last week's storm left more than a quarter-million homes and businesses without power, but it's also helping some people make a little extra money.
Maintenance worker James Roskie said he's contracting with business owners to help clean up parking lots.
"It's an extra day's work for me," he said. "Just these parking lots, lots of stuff all over the place."
Roskie isn't the only person trying to take advantage of the situation, either. Signs advertising clean-up services are popping up all over the place.
While some people are looking to make money, others just want to help their neighbors and themselves.
A fallen tree in a neighbor's yard represents free fuel for Geoff Stenning's wood stove.
Stenning and his dad, Simon, have spent the past few days slicing up as much wood as they can.
"I'm just cutting it up and making firewood out of it, so if something like this happens next year I'll be prepared and have enough wood to heat my house," he said. "I'm not trying to make any commerce here. I'm just trying to help out my neighborhood."
The storm brought out the best in some people, but others are using it as an excuse to steal.
Many residents said they've been targeted by so-called "scavengers," who cut up and steal wood without asking the homeowner.
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