The right phone call can solve your problem

There is an old saying that goes something like, "Why complain; no one listens."
But with the right call, a dissatisfied Prince William County resident might be able to get some action on a pressing problem.

When things do not go as they should, residents have a host of state and local options available to report complaints or find consumer information.

The State Office of Consumer Affairs in Richmond assists residents who believe they have been wronged. The office does not provide legal advice and consumers retain the right to pursue legal remedies if they remain dissatisfied.

The office acts as a clearinghouse on consumer information, offering pamphlets with advice on avoiding consumer problems and refers complaints to the appropriate state or local agency.

The office can help address non-technical complaints about health care providers, including doctors, dentists, clinics and nursing homes but complaints about quality of care would be referred to the board that licenses those professional institutions.

For help call the Antitrust and Consumer Litigation Section Office of Attorney General toll-free at 800-451-1525 or Office of Consumer Affairs, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs toll-free at 800-552-9963.

Consumers may also file complaints if they are dissatisfied with the work performed by a licensed professional such as a home improvement contractor, appraiser, engineer, cosmetologist and those in wide range of other fields.

They can call the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation in Richmond at 804-367-8504. To check on the license of a home improvement contractor, call the contractor licensing section at 804-367-8511.

For securing information on cable television service, call 703-792-7448.

Flood damage is a serious concern for many local residents. They can call 800-427-2419 to learn their individual flood risk and find an agent near them to discuss their protection options.

If the neighbor's barking dog, thumping stereo, loud four-wheelers or wild parties are keeping you awake at night, call one of the following numbers:

• Nuisance noise: In Prince William County, call the police non-emergency number 703-792-6500. In Manassas, call the city police department non-emergency number at 703-257-8000 and in Manassas Park, 703-361-1136.

• Roads: With the exception of Manassas and Manassas Park, the Virginia Department of Transportation Northern Virginia District is responsible for road construction and repairs in the area south and west of the City of Fairfax.

• Missing or damaged Prince William County road signs: Call 703-792-5765.

For information on road construction or to report problems, call 703-383-8368. In Manassas call Public Works at 703-257-8378 and in Manassas Park, 703-335-8840.

In a perfect world, everything would work the way it should but in the real world, it rarely goes as smoothly as everyone would like … so if things don't go right, make a call for help and avoid a lot of frustration. Don't get ripped off.