Habitat ReStore begins hurricane preparation

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- We've heard the phrase many times before, "the sooner you prepare, the better." That was the case at the Habitat ReStore, where some of the hurricane shutters have sold so quickly that some of the shelves are already empty.

"Unfortunately we bought the shutters without the screws," said Larry Gore.

So now, Gore had to go and buy every bolt he could. He wants to make sure he can secure his shutters to his home, and he's just one of many homeowners preparing for Isaac.

At the Habitat ReStore in Fort Lauderdale, pre-used, deeply discounted hurricane shutters are selling fast. Homeowners preparing early had the best selection. "We're almost completely out of 44 to 60 which are the most common sizes," said the Chairman of Habitat ReStore, Nancy Daly. "There are very, very few left of those sizes."

By looking at shelves, you can tell supplies are limited. Whether it's shutters or anything else you need for the storm, experts say the time to prepare is now. "The storm is in fact going to hit us dead on," said Daly. "We will have hundreds of people lined up out here on Saturday."

So, homeowners, don't be surprised if in the coming days hurricane essentials are harder to find. Homeowners who've already lived through a storm know you shouldn't procrastinate. "I sat through Wilma, and we had the hurricane-proof glass, and I watched things being destroyed around us," said Gore.

7News proudly works with and supports the Habitat for Humanity ReStore because all the profits go to build homes for South Florida families in need. If you'd like to check out the hurricane shutter supply for your home visit Habitat ReStore at 505 Broward Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. It's open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is also a Habitat ReStore in Miami.

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