"It is so important, because there may be periods of time where you simply can't leave your home, that your electrical power may be out and you need to prepare to take care of yourself and your family," said volunteer John Jarrard.
Generators and kerosene heaters are the popular items at Lowe's.-
Gov. Bill Haslam says chief deputy Claude Ramsey is retiring at the end of August to spend more time with his family in Chattanooga.More >> Gov. Bill Haslam says chief deputy Claude Ramsey is retiring at the end of August to spend more time with his family in Chattanooga.More >> Two Knox County parents are now facing charges in the death of their 6-month-old daughter.More >> Two Knox County parents are now facing charges in the death of their 6-month-old daughter.More >> On the outside, The Cheesecake Factory at West Town Mall looks all ready to go, but the sign outside says they are closed for training.More >> On the outside, The Cheesecake Factory at West Town Mall looks all ready to go, but the sign outside says they are closed for training.More >> A local lawmaker is speaking out against a proposed measure that could alter the way teachers are paid in the state.More >> A local lawmaker is speaking out against a proposed measure that could alter the way teachers are paid in the state.More >> There are more than 30 Pilot Flying J employees named in the affidavit for the federal investigation with five of them entering guilty pleas to fraud charges.More >> There are more than 30 Pilot Flying J employees named in the affidavit for the federal investigation with five of them entering guilty pleas to fraud charges.More >> A discount vacation club from Sevierville has closed its doors, creating a big financial loss for nearly 1,500 customers in several states.More >> A discount vacation club from Sevierville has closed its doors, creating a big financial loss for nearly 1,500 customers in several states.More >> The city of Niota is again without insurance and has shut down most city services.More >> The city of Niota is again without insurance and has shut down most city services.More >> The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is proposing a $70,000 fine against the Tennessee Valley Authority for violations related to one of its East Tennessee nuclear plants.More >> The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is proposing a $70,000 fine against the Tennessee Valley Authority for violations related to one of its East Tennessee nuclear plants.More >> Three people associated with the Bloods gang were arrested Tuesday after investigators found drugs at a Knox County home.More >> Three people associated with the Bloods gang were arrested Tuesday after investigators found drugs at a Knox County home.More >> A new collection of Barbie dolls is helping University of Tennessee fans show off their volunteer pride.More >> A new collection of Barbie dolls is helping University of Tennessee fans show off their volunteer pride.More >>
By DREW GARDNER
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Nobody knows more about disasters than the Red Cross and for longtime volunteer John Jarrard he says the key to weathering the worst storms is preparation.
"It is so important, because there may be periods of time where you simply can't leave your home, that your electrical power may be out and you need to prepare to take care of yourself and your family," said Jarrard.
The Red Cross says you should make an emergency kit with these items:
- At least a three-day supply of water with enough for one gallon per person per day.
- Non-perishable food like canned fruits and vegetables.
- A flashlight and a battery-powered NOAA weather radio.
- Extra batteries.
- A first aid kit and a seven-day supply of medications and medical items.
- At least a seven-day supply of items for babies and pets.
"It's my experience that the people who are prepared to take care of themselves wind up being much more comfortable and safe during these kinds of situations," said Jarrard.
Thursday morning, people at Lowe's people were already getting a jumpstart on their lists. Most shoppers had one main thing in mind: keeping warm if the power goes out.
"Most of our kerosene heaters, we've already exhausted all of those, but we do have shipments of those coming in regularly," said Lowes Assistant Manager Jimmy Boles.
Generators have been another popular item and while the shelves may look bare, they say they have plenty in stock and several more at their other locations.
If you don't get a chance to pick up your supplies, managers say their store will remain open no matter what the storm brings.
"We will still operate as we would any other business day, so we will be here for them in the event that something does happen," said Boles.
The best bet, though, is to get in early in case supplies run out.
The Red Cross is planning to open several shelters for anyone who needs them. For more information you can contact them at 865-584-2999.
