Lowe’s Helping Floridians Prepare for Hurricanes

Following the legislation signed by Florida Gov. Jeb Bush to create a tax-free shopping holiday on hurricane preparedness items, Lowe’s will offer free How-To Clinics and other information to assist Florida residents as they prepare for the 2005 Hurricane season.

All 71 Lowe’s stores in the state will offer the hurricane-specific classes and free Severe Weather Guides during the state’s hurricane tax-free shopping holiday from June 1-12.

“We know the havoc caused by the four storms that hit back-to-back last year and we applaud the Florida House, Senate and Governor Bush for taking these measures that encourage Floridians to make the necessary provisions to safeguard their homes and property before future storms hit,” said Jim Frasso, Lowe’s senior vice president of operations for the Southeast division.

The Hurricane How-To Clinics will begin at 11 a.m. each day from June 1-12. Clinics will teach customers how to install hurricane shutters, properly board up windows, generator safety and chainsaw safety. Free Severe Weather and Natural Disaster Guides and Hurricane Tracking Maps will be available at all stores.

In addition, signage in Lowe’s stores will clearly identify products
included in the tax-free holiday, including generators, tarps and tie down kits, batteries, flashlights and first aid kits.

Lowe’s also guarantees everyday low prices on additional storm preparedness and recovery items such as plywood, tools and ladders that are not covered by the legislation, and will offer special 12 months no interest, no payment financing to make it easier for families to prepare.

As part of its ongoing support of the American Red Cross disaster relief services, Lowe’s will activate its annual customer donation program in all stores nationwide during the month of June to benefit local Red Cross chapters.

During 2004, Lowe’s and its customers raised $1.5 million to assist American Red Cross efforts in aiding those recovering from hurricanes that affected the southeast region as well as other natural disasters. Lowe’s has raised more than $7.5 million for the program over the past five years.

“Lowe’s has demonstrated time and again their commitment to helping people that live in hurricane-prone areas,” said Skip Seitz, senior vice president of growth and integrated development at the American Red Cross. “Not only does Lowe’s support our disaster relief efforts, but we work together to distribute messaging in the community around the importance of hurricane preparedness.”