Sep 6, 2008 8:35 pm US/Eastern
Drivers Burn Gas In Long Lines To Top Off Tanks
MIAMI BEACH (CBS4) ―
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People were willing to wait in long lines Saturday morning to fill up their tanks before Hurricane Ike-related weather hit South Florida.
The threat of Hurricane Ike is compelling many in south Florida to top off their gas tanks.
CBS4's Joan Murray headed out to local gas stations to see those people who were willing to brave long lines to be sure they were ready to go.
There were long lines at the pump early this morning in Miami Lakes. People began lining up at gas stations across South Florida almost as soon as the sun came up. In North Miami Beach, a few stations on Dixie Highway actually ran out of gas at their pumps.
Many remember the frustration following Hurricane Wilma three years ago when power outages caused a number of gas stations to shut. No one wants to be caught in that situation again.
"I don't want to have a problem so I'm doing it today, playing it safe" customer Lee Greenspan told Murray.
Ricardo Ribiera just arrived in south Florida from California and has never been through a hurricane. He was filling up his tank and said he's following the news and wants to prepare himself.
If you're looking for propane, expect the unexpected. Some locations are tapped out because of high demand, so call ahead and don't waste the gas driving from store to store.
Some filling up approach Hurricane Ike with a different perspective. Johnny Valera who is retired military said, "I've been under heavy artillery fire before. If your time is up, that's it, so I don't worry."
Not everybody is worried about the storm, though. Alex Carsten filled up in North Miami Beach, but only because his gauge was on empty. "I'm still waiting to see the trajectory," he explained, "I'll wait and see. My son lives in Weston, so I expect to be there."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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