By Jay Rosquites
EBC Florida Bureau
TAMPA, Florida– Some residents have begun collecting sandbags to be used as deterrents against possible flooding, as Hurricane Irma closed in on Florida after slamming into the Caribbean.
The sandbags can be collected at several locations throughout Pinellas county, Hillsborough county, and Pasco county until Saturday.
County officials are allowing residents 20 sandbags per person.
“We’re expecting lots of rainfall. It’s a preventive measure because even if one inch of water enters your house, it would be thousands of dollars in damage,” says John Arana, a property manager in Tampa.
There are also hardware supply stores, such as Wingate Supply Inc., that sell 2 dollars per bag, with customers having to bring their own shovel and make their bags.