INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – Tropical Storm Andrea drove crowds to this year’s Hurricane Preparedness Expo and Home Show held at the Indian River Mall.
“We had a record number of vendors – 52 – and very steady crowds all day,” said Ursula Gunter, of the Indian River Mall. “The community came out eager to learn about new products and hear the 2013 predictions.”
The event was even extended an hour to accommodate the steady crowd.
Ben and Del Saltz stopped by the Folding Shutter Corporation to check out the products among the many vendors.
“We’re looking for storm blinds,” said Ben. “We’ve been through a number of storms.”
Noah Valente, 6, was excited to check out the American Red Cross vehicle. Face painting by Judy Sherako also delighted children.
Amateur Radio Emergency Radio Services – or HAM Radio – was also on hand.
HAM radio is important in a storm, according to Willie Thompson, because it will still be functioning when cell towers and internet connections are down.
“Wherever there are people in shelters we’ll have a HAM radio operator there,” said Thompson.
