LOW Lowes Companies Inc

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., +1-704-758-2298, or e-mail, , or Amy White of Golin-Harris, +1-704-895-3037, or e-mail, , for Lowe's Companies, Inc. Web site: http://www.lowes.com/

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