Lowe's Offers Tips for Protecting Property From Wildfires; California Residents Look for Ways to Keep the Flames Away

Lowe's Offers Tips for Protecting Property From Wildfires; California Residents
Look for Ways to Keep the Flames Away 


MOORESVILLE, N.C., Oct. 27  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As wildfires in Southern
California continue to rage, consuming more than 280,000 acres so far, Lowe's 
has frozen prices at 19 of its stores in the region. The natural disaster price
suspension policy insures customers in the San Bernardino Valley that prices
will not increase on emergency items like shovels, hoses, and buckets that may
be necessary in protecting their homes and property from the wildfires.  Lowe's
is also offering tips to help homeowners beat the blaze.

  (Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000720/LOWES )

  When a Wildfire Threatens:
  * Listen to local radio and television and be ready to evacuate
  * Keep pets close in case of evacuation
  * Open fireplace damper and close fireplace screens
  * Close all windows, vents, doors, noncombustible window coverings and
    heavy drapes.  Remove flammable drapes and curtains.
  * Move flammable furniture into the center of the home
  * Clear firewood, brush and debris from your home creating 30 feet of
    defensible space
  * Clear the roof and gutters of debris that may be ignited
  * Evacuate when told to do so by local officials



If Time Allows, Follow These Tips to Help Protect Your Home on the Outside:

  * Seal attic and ground vents with precut plywood or commercial seals
  * Remove combustible items from around the house
  * Connect the garden hose to outside taps and wet the roof and shrubs

  During an Evacuation:
  * Wear protective clothing and a handkerchief to protect your face
  * Lock your home
  * Have a disaster Supplies Kit (important papers, food, emergency items
    like flashlights, etc..) and choose a route away from fire hazards

  After the Wildfire:
  * Inspect the roof immediately and extinguish any sparks, embers or
    smoldering debris to prevent the fire from relighting
  * Recheck for smoke and sparks throughout the home including attic
  * Wet debris to minimize breathing dust particles
  * Photograph damage before completing repairs and keep receipts for
    insurance claims

  About Lowe's:


Lowe's is a proud supporter of the American Red Cross, United Way of America,
Habitat for Humanity International and the Home Safety Council, in addition to
numerous non-profit organizations and programs that help communities across the
country.  Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation awards more than $1.5
million annually to individuals and organizations across the United States. 
Lowe's also encourages volunteerism through the Lowe's Heroes program, a
corporate-wide employee volunteer program addressing unintentional home
injuries.  Lowe's, a Fortune 100 company with sales of $26.5 billion, has more
than 900 stores in 45 states.  For more information, visit Lowes.com. 

EDITOR'S ADVISORY:  Lowe's experts in your area are available for

interviews and demonstrations on how local residents can protect their homes

from wildfire damage.  Please contact Jennifer Stanbery  in the

Lowe's Public Relations department to arrange an interview.

    (LOW)

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000720/LOWES

http://photoarchive.ap.org/

DATASOURCE: Lowe's Companies, Inc.



CONTACT:  Jennifer Stanbery of Lowe's Companies, Inc., [phone],

or e-mail, , or Amy White of Golin-Harris,

[phone], or e-mail, , for Lowe's Companies,

Inc.



Web site:  http://www.lowes.com/ 

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