Weather the Weather: Wickford's Preparation

Rhonda Barner of  had finished emptying her store in anticipation of rising floodwaters

“I’m not too worried about the storm overall," said Barner. "I know it's been downgraded. Generally, folks get very worked up. It’s good to be practical, but not panic."

Barner was preparing by moving some of her smaller merchandise onto higher shelves, where it would be safe from potential flood damage.

, owned by Craig Schennum, faces a different set of challenges. The building, much on the direct end of a main street, faces the full effect of wind blasts.

“I’ve had small leaks fixed where I would expect water to pour in. Our windows have been resealed and loose fixtures have been relocated or battened down to weather the worst parts of the storm,” shared Schennum.

Schennum, who also owns the consignment store behind Foodies, has moved valuables out of the windows and placed them on higher planes to dodge any water damage.

Wickford’s newest addition, owned by Kerry Oliver, is taking the cautious route.

“I worked on Watch Hill last year during the Earl and they told us to evacuate at noon. The sun was out and I was there until six and it was fine,” Oliver offered. “But with Irene, I want to be absolutely sure.”

Oliver expressed her concern about people’s consigned items.

“I would feel awful if anything happened to these pieces. A lot of them are one of a kind,” said Oliver.

’s owner Melissa Fisher offered serious concern for her store. 

“I have very large plate glass windows," said Fisher. "I’m worried about them vibrating and shattering when the wind hits them. To begin with they’re not very strong, but this could make matters worse."

Fisher, like others, is preparing by moving her books and window displays further toward the interior of the store and moving things to higher ground.

“You have to take the most logical precautions and I’m doing just that,” Fisher said.