Shoppers Fill Propane Tanks At 'Record' Rate At Humphrey's Building Supply Center

Supplies were flying off the shelves at in Tiverton on Friday as residents stocked up on batteries and propane before the arrival of Hurricane Irene.

Sales Manager Tim Llewellyn said plywood, batteries, flashlights and tape were being purchased at a high rate. However, people were "setting records" on getting their barbecue's and propane tanks filled.

"People want to make sure they're eating even if they don't have a roof," he said.

Humphrey's is open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. today, so time is ticking to get whatever's left for supplies.

On Friday, Llewellyn said they have already run out of "C" and "D" batteries, and their trucks were driving around the state all day delivering plywood to residents boarding up their windows.

He added that a lot of tarps and rolls of plastics are being purchased.

"People want to be prepared if a window breaks," Llewellyn said.

On Monday, Humphrey's will be getting back-up generators stocked.

"Whether we have power or no power, we will be open on Monday at 7:30 a.m.," Llewellyn noted.

He recalled Hurricane Bob from 1991 and anticipates a similar experience. Llewellyn was out of power for five days, and recalled using his propane grill to cook food.

Make sure to read information from the state on preparing your hurricane disaster supply kit.