TAMPA, Fla. — Last year when Hurricane Irma was eyeing the Bay area, necessities like water, gas and plywood were all hard to come by.
- Emergency officials say let Florence be a reminder to get hurricane supplies ahead of time
- Storm Season 2018
Now, as Bay area residents watch Florence move toward the Carolinas, it can serve as a reminder about being hurricane ready.
No storm is threatening the Bay area but Florence is creating a nationwide supply chain ripple and that’s bad news for other regions trying to buy supplies.
So while extra supplies are rapidly being shipped to the Carolinas, where they are more in need, it means supplies are not heading to Florida stores and it could delay supplies coming here if a hurricane takes aim at the Bay area anytime soon.
Emergency officials are stressing residents in storm-prone areas to gather supplies now.
Tampa Home Depot Manager Phillip Richard said if residents aren't stocked up before a storm hit, it could be a 4 to 5 day wait for supplies.
"It took about a week for us to get generators in, and gas cans about a week after that," he said. "And that’s a long time if you are waiting with no power. Absolutely, absolutely."
Emergency officials say supplies should have been purchased in June, but there is still time for Bay area residents to stock up while there are no threats right now.
From charcoal to cook with, a decent size cooler, a plastic chest filled with candles, flashlights, batteries, water proof matches, first aid kit, and a cheap am/fm weather radio, hurricane supply kits should include all of these items