Officials and residents prepare for Isaac

WEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- While many prepare for the worst, experts are doing their best to pinpoint who will lie in Isaac's path.

Democratic Congresswoman and chair of the Democratic National Committee, Debbie Wassermann Schultz paid a visit to the National Hurricane Center in West Miami-Dade, Friday morning. She joined the center's director, Dr. Rick Knabb, and a representative of the American Red Cross, Sam Tidwell, to urge people to get ready.

Knabb said, though May is usually the best time to prepare for the start of hurricane season, this storm offers an excellent refresher, as it has been seven years since Hurricane Wilma struck and perhaps some complacency has set in. "This is very much a strong reminder," Knabb said, "especially for folks whose never been through this, that the threat is real. Tropical storm and hurricane threats to Florida are real and to take preparation."

Sam Tidwell of the American Red Cross added, "The Red Cross is ready. Our volunteers have been preparing, providing supplies to potential shelters sites of that needs to occur."

Officials said this also makes the perfect time to find out whether you are in an evacuation zone, and if you have any friends or family you might be able to stay with should you have to evacuate.

Isaac is providing a good reminder to be prepared for whatever comes our way during this year's hurricane season, which is expected to be busy.

People have already spent several days stocking up and getting ready. At a Plantation Publix Friday, the store was not as busy the day before when water was flying off store shelves. Faith Shapiro was there to top off her family's supplies. "We're very ready," she said. "We have some gas for our generator."

Maria Perez said she is prepared for the storm. "I have juice, I have canned goods. I have everything already," she said.

You can pick up 7News' complete checklist of supplies and a map and guide at all Publix supermarkets for free.

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