Local Shops Do Brisk Business in Emergency Supplies

was thousands of miles away from the South Shore on Thursday, but with the powerful storm packing Category 3 winds and tracking for a direct hit on Long Island, local residents were already making plans to weather the storm.

From hardware to grocery stores, and from gas stations to pet supply stores, local retailers reported that was beginning to move off the shelves in a hurry.

By Thursday afternoon there’d already been a big run on D size batteries and other supplies at on North Wellwood Avenue.

At on West Montauk Highway, staff members were boning up on what to recommend for pet emergency advice while tracking the weather news online.

And F and D Supply on East Montauk Highway in Copiague was seeing a lot of action out back where the propane tanks are stored.

While things were not at a panic stage at , according to store personnel, business was brisk.

“It’s a little bit busier than a regular Thursday,” said Vinnie, an employee at the East Hoffman Avenue location in Lindenhurst.

“People are buying water, can openers, flashlights, batteries and a lot of bread. We’re looking at a lot of wagons, some with four cases of water in them. I don’t see panic yet, maybe we’ll see it Friday, or Saturday. It happens every time.”

Dominick, of F and D Supply concurred, noting that, “People are coming in for batteries, candles, duck tape and masking tape. Sandbags, too. We don’t have to make recommendations – they’ve been through this before. They ask for particular things: flashlights, propane tanks, lamp oil. People know what they need.”

What they may need is something to do if they become housebound, said Maryann Weckerle at on North Wellwood Avenue.

She was advising that if you think you’re going to be stuck in the house, then it might be just the time to do that small decorating project you’ve been putting off.

Then there are house pets to consider. “People shouldn’t forget that pets need to be planned for,” said Dora, of Viva La Pets.

She advised an emergency pack for pets that include medical records, prescription information, plenty of water, extra food, a blanket, first aid materials and even animal toys.

Other advice? “Make sure that your pet has an ID or micro-chip on them in case they get lost,” she said. “Keep a photo ID of the animal. Make sure you have a pet carrier in case you have to evacuate. And plan for a place to go, if you do get evacuated, that accepts pets.”

Meanwhile at Waldbaum's, Vinnie had some advice of his own. “Try not to stock up on perishables,” he said. “God forbid your power goes out, you’re stuck with everything.”

He did, however, suggest that there might be an exception to that rule.

“Some people are saying, they don’t mind getting hamburgers and hot dogs,” he said. “Just yesterday I had a customer come in and say if the hurricane hits, then he’ll just drink beer and barbecue.”