To shield survivors of fires and other disasters from immediate solicitations by contractors, Baltimore City Councilwoman Odette Ramos has created a bill to create a buffer around the chaos of emergency scenes. According to a report by WBALTV, the proposed legislation would delegate the Baltimore City Fire Department to demarcate a restricted area, limiting access solely to designated parties such as first responders and immediate family members.

Ramos, representing District 14, expressed concerns over aggressive contractor companies that prey upon victims amid their turmoil, a scene she had personally witnessed when "once a survivor collapsed in my arms after getting herself and her family out of the fire. And, while crying, a restoration company came in and handed her a business card and tried to get her to sign a contract while she was crying on my shoulders,"  WBALTV reported. This move is as much about safety as protecting residents from potentially making hasty decisions that could affect their financial stability after such events.

The intended measure would allow those affected to contact their insurance and consider their options, which are crucial to a mindful recovery process. "Establishing the scene allows residents to have a few moments to recover from the traumatic event they just survived, call their insurance companies about their options, and weigh their options before being pressured to take on a contract that may not benefit them," Ramos conveyed, a sentiment echoed in coverage by FOX Baltimore.

While the primary aim is to establish a controlled and contained environment for those directly impacted by disaster, Ramos also noted the potential for these aggressive contractors to exhaust victims' insurance coverage, which could have long-lasting repercussions on their recovery and financial health. Some contractors take a little bit more from the insurance company than what the person's coverage allows, a concern she elaborated.