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Storm Preparations Come Not In A Wave But A Trickle

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By RICH SHOPES

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 18, 2008

Updated: 08/18/2008 12:12 am

TAMPA - With Tropical Storm Fay taking aim somewhere along the coast of Florida, some people weren't taking chances Sunday, stocking up on generators, water and batteries.

But many seemed to be waiting for forecasters to get a better handle on the storm's path and weren't splurging for hurricane shutters and plywood just yet.

"I'm more concerned about losing power," said Russ Robinson of South Tampa, who bought a generator Sunday at the Home Depot on Dale Mabry Highway. "They said they just got a shipment in this morning."

Rhonda Flores of South Tampa, who was also shopping at the store, used the weekend to stock up on water, canned food and batteries. But she didn't seem anxious about the approaching storm.

"Maybe when it gets closer I'll get nervous," she said. "I'm not sure where it will hit."

Tensions were higher four years ago, after Hurricane Charley and a succession of storms battered Florida. Charley knocked out power for days and ravaged homes across the region. People lined up to buy plywood, generators, gas cans, water and other necessities.

"It was crazy," said Mike King, assistant manager of the Dale Mabry Home Depot. "We had plywood stacked up outside, long lines around the store."

Business was nowhere as brisk Sunday, although King said he expected homeowners might come in today to stock up on wood and metal hurricane shutters. Many are likely monitoring the forecast models to decide when to shop.

Up the coast in New Port Richey, it was business as usual. There were no long lines at gas stations, and only the odd patron at local hardware and grocery stores seemed to take notice of the approaching storm.

Joe Benz of Holiday picked up eight gallons of water at the Dollar General store at State Road 54 and Rowan Road. He said he and his wife, Gidget, spent Saturday securing their yard and were out Sunday getting last-minute supplies.

"My wife's at the Wal-Mart getting all the other stuff," he said.

Others, well aware of what a hurricane can do, prepare further in advance.

Rudy Valdez, 81, said he learned his hurricane lessons in 1947 while stationed in Okinawa, Japan. A typhoon blew across the island, ripping the ends off the metal Quonset hut where he was living as a soldier.

"It took a foot locker and threw it across the room," he said. "To get to the supply hut we had to hold onto a rope strung between the buildings. After it hit us, it came back around again."

Valdez's home in Seminole Heights has hurricane-resistant windows along with hurricane shutters. But if a Category 3 hurricane bears down on Tampa Bay, even those protective features won't stop him from heading north with his wife, Ellen.

"I've seen what one of these can do," he said.

Reporter Todd Leskanic contributed to this report. Reporter Rich Shopes can be reached at rshopes@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7633.

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