Islanders stock up on supplies while waiting out storm

The Home Hardware in Charlottetownwas a busy place Thursday with customersstocking up on supplies to help ride out the storm that knocked out power across the Island.

"Just picking up some batteries, extra flashlights, you know," said Jessie Argent.

"You suddenly realize when you have no power what you are lacking."

Argent was surprisedby the prolonged power outage Thursday in the Charlottetown area so said he was not as prepared as he could have been.

Hot items

"I didn't realize that it was going to be that bad so no not really, not flashlight-wise anyway."

The retailer delayed opening until 11:30 a.m., sincethe store itself had no power. The manager said the stream of customers was steady.

"People looking for anything from fixes for sump pumps, generators, batteries andflashlights are a hot item today," saidJamie Lewis, the store's manager.

Lewis said they had four generators at opening and which were gone within45 minutes.

Walmart and Home Depot were also open for a short time on Thursday both also sold out of generators by early afternoon.

Lewis was not surprised that people were leaving their powerless homes to stock up on more supples.

"People not having power at home, I think they go somewhere to do something to pass the time as well," Lewis said.

"People are usually out on the go in all kinds of weather on P.E.I. We are Islanders, it doesn't keep us in for very long."

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