Get the latest delivered to your inbox
Privacy Policy

Now Reading

Lowe's Helps Families Prepare Homes for Hurricane Frances

Lowe's Helps Families Prepare Homes for Hurricane Frances

Published 09-01-04

Submitted by Lowe's Companies, Inc.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. - In the wake of one of the busiest hurricane seasons in recent memory, residents up and down the East coast are rapidly preparing for Hurricane Frances. Lowe's stores are seeing people prepare earlier than usual, stocking up on materials to prepare their homes and businesses to weather the storm.

To ensure products are available to prepare and, if necessary, recover from a hurricane, Lowe's has activated its command center, which strategically distributes emergency preparedness items to stores in the path of the storm.

"The Lowe's command center has already coordinated additional shipments of plywood, batteries, generators and cleaning supplies to Florida and the coastal Southeast," said Greg Forester, who leads Lowe's command center team. "As we monitor the hurricane's path, we're working hard to replenish product supply to meet customer demand."

In addition to products, Lowe's is also helping consumers stock up on information before the storm. Homeowners can dial 1-877-3PREPARE (1-877-377-3727) toll-free for hurricane preparedness and safety tips in both English and Spanish. Informational flyers are available in stores, and the Lowe's Severe Weather Guide is in stores and at Lowes.com/hurricane.

Time permitting, Lowe's recommends the following hurricane safety tips:

  • Assemble a disaster supplies kit, including emergency supplies such as medications, nonperishable food, bottled water, a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, important papers, etc. Store in a water-proof, easy-to-carry container in the event of an evacuation.
  • Identify an evacuation route ahead of time; discuss with family members
  • If advised to evacuate, do so immediately
  • If evacuated to an American Red Cross shelter, bring the disaster supplies kit, medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets and other hygiene and comfort supplies
  • Make preparations for pets, which due to health department regulations aren't allowed in public shelters
  • Measure windows and obtain shutters or cut plywood to cover each one
  • Remove diseased and damaged tree limbs
  • Strengthen garage doors with vertical support beams made from 2X4's and "L" brackets. Get professional help if needed.
  • Clear deck and yard of potential flying debris such as trash cans and lawn furniture
  • Anchor large objects that can't be brought inside
  • Add protection to the outside of sliding glass doors with hurricane panels or plywood

    Additionally, all Lowe's stores on the Gulf and East Coasts are serving as official cash donation sites for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Lowe's will match customer donations dollar-for-dollar up to $1 million dollars.

    Lowe's stores are offering expert interviews and photo opportunities highlighting hurricane preparation tips. To arrange an interview, media can call Jennifer Smith at 704-758-2298.

    ABOUT LOWE'S:
    Lowe's is a proud supporter of the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity International, United Way of America, and the Home Safety Council, in addition to numerous local nonprofit organizations. Lowe's also encourages volunteerism through the Lowe's Heroes program, a company-wide employee volunteer program aimed at preventing unintentional home injuries. Lowe's, a FORTUNE® 50 company with fiscal year 2003 sales of $30.8 billion, has more than 1,000 stores in 45 states. For more information, visit Lowes.com/community

  • Lowe's Companies, Inc. logo

    Lowe's Companies, Inc.

    Lowe's Companies, Inc.

    Lowe's (NYSE: LOW) is a proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity International, American Red Cross, United Way of America, and the Home Safety Council, in addition to numerous non-profit organizations and programs that help communities across the country. Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation awards more than $3 million annually to diverse organizations across the United States. Lowe's also encourages volunteerism through the Lowe's Heroes program, a company-wide employee volunteer program aimed at preventing unintentional home injuries. Lowe's, a FORTUNE(R) 50 company with fiscal year 2003 sales of $30.8 billion, has more than 1,050 stores in 46 states.

    More from Lowe's Companies, Inc.

    Join today and get the latest delivered to your inbox