Free surplus tarps to be distributed to hurricane victims tomorrow

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. -- Surplus tarps from FEMA will be distributed to hurricane victims in Charlotte County tomorrow. It's all part of a "Repair or Prepare" event in Port Charlotte. According to county officials, the event will be tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Charlotte County Administration Center, 18500 Murdock Circle in Port Charlotte.   Each vehicle may receive two 20-foot-by-25-foot tarps. Tarps will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until they are gone. The surplus tarps were provided to the county by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which requested they be distributed rather than stored in its warehouse.   Water inundation is one of the costliest expenses associated with tropical storms due to the growth of mold in damaged homes without power for days after the storm passes. Timely repair of leaking roofs or windows can prevent further water and mold damage. Having tarps on hand before a storm strikes could enable hundreds of homeowners to avoid costly damage in the future.