Workshop to help in preparing for storms

By PIPER JONES CASTILLO

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 13, 2000

Although the official hurricane season runs June 1 through Nov. 1, Tampa Bay residents who have lived here just a few summers know the storms get rolling in mid August.

Last year's first Atlantic hurricane, Brett, didn't form until Aug. 22.

For all those slow movers waiting to stock up on survival supplies, Home Depot will hold a hurricane preparedness workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at 4040 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park.

"The workshop is designed to offer our customers lessons that they would probably have to otherwise hire a subcontractor to do," said Home Depot's Blake Holmes.

Such as: how to install shutters, work with tarp and plastic sheeting, operate generators and determine what supplies should be in the house before the storm hits.

David Bilodeau, emergency management director for Pinellas County, cautions those who attend workshops at retailers to remember businesses have an eye on their bottom line: "I'm sure this particular Home Depot is fine. They have part-time firemen who work there, and we encourage businesses as well as non-profit organizations to help raise homeowner awareness. However, I have seen businesses that were biased to products they carry and damning to products they don't carry."

Gene Ritter, director of disaster services for American Red Cross, Tampa Bay Chapter, encourages residents and businesses to prepare for storms and mitigate homes, but he cautions that strangers should not be the ones to encourage you to spend money.

"People should try to rely on advice from a friend or someone you know before making purchases," he said.

Ritter also recommends thinking hard before buying larger items such as a generator or chain saw. "It's a personal choice to spend money, but ask yourself questions. Do you have unusual needs that require an expensive item like a generator? Do you need special equipment and can you operate it safely?"

There are many outlets for people to get free information on what to do during a hurricane, Bilodeau said. "We hold the premier event, the Pinellas County Hurricane Expo every June. Now, it's late in the season, but libraries, post offices and local fire departments all distribute free pamphlets."

Be prepared

A list of Web sites for homeowners to receive information on hurricane preparedness:

National Hurricane Center

http://www.aoml.noaa.gov

American Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org

Pinellas County

http://www.pinellascounty.org

Federal Emergency Management Association

http://www.fema.gov

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