Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2001
 

LOWE'S HOME SAFETY COUNCIL OFFERS TIPS FOR EARTHQUAKE SAFETY
Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse freezes prices in Seattle area through March 31

WILKESBORO, N.C. - Unlike hurricanes or floods, which come and go with the seasons, earthquakes can happen at any time, anywhere. In the wake of the earthquake in Seattle today, Lowe's Home Safety Council is reminding homeowners that the best way to protect your home and family in an earthquake is to prepare.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families in the Seattle area today," said David Oliver, executive director of Lowe's Home Safety Council. "Lowe's wants to help Seattle families and families across the country with earthquake preparedness and response."

Earthquake clean up can be a costly and difficult process. To help people in Seattle, Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse stores in the area have implemented a price freeze and issued a 6-month no pay, no interest on Lowe's credit card purchases over $299 through March 31. As part of its ongoing national relationship, Lowe's is actively working with American Red Cross on disaster recovery efforts.

As a reminder to all homeowners everywhere, Lowe's Home Safety Council issues the following tips for earthquake safety:

Before an Earthquake

• Create a disaster supplies kit - This should include a portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, prescription medications, food supplies, bottles of water, credit cards and cash, an extra set of car keys, map of the area and phone numbers of places to go, personal identification, and other items such as diapers and hearing aid batteries for family members who may need special items.
• Practice "Drop, Cover and Hold On" - The American Red Cross recommends you drop and seek cover under a sturdy table or desk, hold on and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there's no table nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall with no windows or hanging pictures and away from tall furniture that can fall on you.
• Develop a family earthquake plan - Choose a safe place in every room where nothing can fall on you. Involve all family members in this planning process. Ask an out-of-state friend or family member to be your primary family contact.
• Eliminate hazards in your home - Bolt tall furniture such as bookcases and cabinets and strap water heaters to wall studs; install strong cabinet latches to prevent items falling out.

During an Earthquake

• Stop, Cover and Hold On - If you are in bed, stay there, hold on and protect your head with a pillow.
• Stay in the Clear - If you're outside or in a car, find a clear spot away from building, trees and power lines and drop to the ground; if in a car, stay there until the shaking stops completely.

After an Earthquake

• Expect aftershocks - Most earthquakes have subsequent rumblings. If aftershocks occur, stop, cover and hold on.
• Check yourself and others for injuries - Protect yourself from further damage by putting on long pants and shirts and sturdy shoes.
• Inspect your home for damage - If your home is unsafe, evacuate immediately.
• Listen to the radio for instructions - You should have a battery-powered radio with extra batteries in case the power goes out.
• Only use the telephone to report life-threatening emergencies - Phone lines will become busy, so please exercise discretion and call loved ones once the emergency has subsided.

In 1993, Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse founded Lowe's Home Safety Council, a nonprofit organization, with the vision of creating safer American homes. Since then, Lowe's Home Safety Council has invested more than $20 million to educate children, adults, seniors and families on how to improve the safety and security in their homes. For additional home safety information and free brochures, consumers can call 1-800-SAFE-HOME or visit loweshomesafety.org.

Lowe's Companies, Inc. is the world's second largest home improvement retailer. Headquartered in Wilkesboro, N.C., Lowe's is the 15th largest retailer in the U.S. as well as the 34th largest retailer worldwide. With approximately 100,000 employees, Lowe's is Improving Home Improvement for nearly five million do-it-yourself retail and commercial business customers each week. For more information, visit or shop us at lowes.com.

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