As the frenzy that swept the Gulf Coast region during Ivan's approach begins to diminish, fire officials are reminding residents to make sure their hurricane-proof homes don't become a fire hazard.
While residents can keep their windows boarded up during hurricane season, Cedar Hammock fire Chief Randall R. Stulce said they need to ensure that the home has at least two points of entry in case a fire erupts.
"We want people to be aware. We know they board their homes up, but we need them to make sure smoke detectors are operating properly," Stulce said Thursday. "They shouldn't forget there's a margin of safety in the case of fire that needs to be maintained for them to exit the building and for us to enter. Fighting the fire can be delayed if everything's boarded up."
Chances of a more severe fire also exist when homes are boarded up. In addition to making sure the two points of entry are accessible, residents should also make sure their home number is visible from the street, Stulce said.
Fire officials and hurricane supply merchants say residents can safely store high-demand items, such as plywood and generators, until the next hurricane approaches.
"I know some people are keeping them under their bed, numbered in sequence," said Ron Kida, manager of Home Depot on Cortez Road. "Some people are buying bicycle hangers and stacking the boards against them, like a deck of cards. If they're stored out of the weather, they can last at least 10 years."
Stulce and Kida suggest residents number the boards to make it easier to board up windows or doors in the event of another hurricane. While some opt to keep the boards under their beds, Kida and Stulce also suggest storing the plywood inside a garage and keeping it as far away from nature as possible.
Despite the desperate quest for plywood many residents underwent, a number of people have already returned the commodity to stores, Kida said. Many are, however, hanging on to items such as generators, according to Kida. He said a gas additive or preservative, usually available at marine stores, should be purchased to increase a generator's lifespan, which is usually between one and seven years.
Stulce said he was surprised people would return hurricane items, which become more scarce as a hurricane edges closer.
"It was hard enough for so many people to come by I would be surprised if some people got rid of them."
