Home improvement stores say they are ready for hurricane season in FL

| 06.04.2007 | 09:24:159386 |

June 4 '07: Home improvement stores in Florida told the Tallahassee Democrat that they have prepared for this year's hurricane season by stocking up on essential preparedness and rebuilding supplies as well as stocking centralized depot points to help with any reconstruction efforts after large storms.

Home Depot spokesman Don Harrison told the Democrat, "We are starting to make calls to vendors in the first part of the year," and that by the start of the season, the list of supplies such as plywood, chain saws, tarps, cleaning supplies and first aid kits "are going to be found in large, large quantities in each of our stores."

Lowe's spokeswoman Jennifer Wilson said her company has "set aside more of the items they know will be in demand during bad weather and natural disasters," the Florida paper wrote. "In addition," it continued, "its regional distribution centers in and near Florida are 'prepared within 24 hours to send added supplies to Florida stores.'"

Home Depot also has about 150 location in Florida which will have in-store hurricane preparation clinics beginning in early June. Harrison told the Democrat, "We have learned it's best to do your homework now and get all the credentials you need," from state and local agencies. Lowes also provides hurricane preparedness clinics.