Shopping for Hurricane Irma supplies? Here's what to get

MELBOURNE — Hurricane Irma is far, far away but for those who have experienced hurricanes before, memories are short.

In fact, it was less than a year ago that people were stocking up on plywood, batteries, water, flashlights and generators because of Hurricane Matthew's approach to the Space Coast.

On Monday, Hurricane Irma was the reason cash registers were busy at home improvement stores and other Space Coast retailers. Labor Day holidays are typically busy at many of these stores but it's likely to carry on through the weekend.

"That's when we'll know for sure," said Mary Lou Matias, assistant manager of Home Depot on West New Haven Avenue in Melbourne.

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Like many stores, Home Depot will continue to get shipments of generators, water, plywood and other necessities throughout the week.

Some people on social media were posting photos at a number of stores where it appeared bottled water was in short supply, though it was unclear if the shelves simply hadn't been restocked.

Pat Tydor of Indialantic wasn't waiting around. He was at Home Depot purchasing several sheets of plywood for a relative's home in Palm Bay. Unlike some of the more anxious shoppers with carts full of water, gas cans and batteries, Tydor didn't seem all that concerned.

Tydor grew up in Florida and he estimates he has been through 12 hurricanes. The shutters are already up at his home.

"And l'll leave them up until Thanksgiving because I don't want to have to put them up again if there's another storm," he said.

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Emergency management experts advise people should prepare now, even thought Irma's course is far from certain. That means:

• Having plenty of water available.

• Stocking up on batteries and checking to make sure flashlights are working.

• Making sure you have the necessary hardware for your shutters.

• Checking you have ample supplies of gasoline in your car and generators. Prices are likely to go up if the storm nears and there is a run on supplies.

• Reviewing your renter's, homeowner's and auto insurance policies. (Rey Campbell, owner of Great Florida Insurance in Palm Bay, also advises people to check and make sure they have flood insurance coverage.)

• Putting important documents in a safe, waterproof location like a safe or in your refrigerator or freezer.

• Making plans, even if they're preliminary, to evacuate, possibly even reserving a hotel room somewhere inland if you can do so without laying down a deposit.

• Arranging lodging for your pets.

Check back for updates on Hurricane Irma.

Price is FLORIDA TODAY's business editor.

Contact Price at 321-242-3658

or wprice@floridatoday.com.

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