Last Minute Shoppers Find Many Items Unavailable

I’m sorry but we are out of flashlights, “D” batteries and generators.  Yes we will be receiving additional shipments of generators. I’m sorry but they are all pre-sold. No, I cannot get a generator from a different store.   That’s the way it was all over Long Island this morning as people began to prepare for Hurricane Irene. 

At Ace Hardware, in Smithtown, the scene was orderly.  Men, women and families came in to the store desperately seeking items that were in short supply.  An employee named Matt was stocking shelves when he was asked what customers were asking for; “There are not enough “D” batteries in the world today. People were snatching the batteries out of my hand before I could put them out. We are sold out.”

Assistant Manager and Smithtown resident, Joe Broome, had a message for the public. “Ace Hardware in Smithtown will open this weekend. If necessary we will operate using a generator. We will work hard to help our customers get through the hurricane.”

Ace Hardware in Smithtown and Nesconset were out of stock on many of the items customers were seeking, having sold out their entire stock of flashlights, “D” batteries and generators the previous day.

Joe Broome was expecting one special delivery of items on Friday and was hoping for additional deliveries.  However, many of the big items being delivered were spoken for. The hot item was generators.  There were no generators to be found at Home Depot, Lowes or Ace Hardware.  People, fearing the loss of electricity for days, were streaming into stores hoping to secure a generator of any size. They were unsuccessful. 

Although stores were out of stock on many items those needing candles, rope, tape and plastic were not disappointed.  Nesconset Volunteer Firefighter Carl Anderson was purchasing plastic to cover electronic equipment.  Carl was quite concerned that leaks might cause damage to expensive electronics at the office.  At home he is prepared for any emergency that may arise, including the loss of power. If he needs to cook, his barbecue is ready.

Remax Real Estate Agent, Ronald Maginnis, was shopping at Ace Hardware in Nesconset.  His advice to people, “prepare for the storm by evaluating dangerous situations around their homes.  Put away anything that might be blown around by strong winds.”  Ron had just returned from a property he has listed in Lake Grove.  While there he discovered an outdoor table which could be problematic in a hurricane.  He overturned the table and suggests that others do the same with their outdoor furniture. “Put it away or make it less vulnerable to the elements.”

A Saint James mother named Lori, was out shopping with her two children 8 year old Emma and four and half year old Christopher.  They were out shopping for essentials; candles, flashlights, water.  Hurricane Irene does not intimidate the kids at all. They have a plan.  They are going to bring Bugsy their bunny in the house and together with their cats they are going to stay inside and play. 

Staying dry and playing, not a bad plan for anyone.