Tulsans Stock Up To Deal With Ice Storm

The treacherous weather has many people making preparations.  Batteries, de-icer, water and food are all popular items. 

Monday, January 26th 2009, 6:18 pm

By: News On 6

By Tara Vreeland, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The treacherous weather has many people making preparations. Batteries, de-icer, water and food are all popular items. The ice storm is not taking Tulsans by surprise this time around.

"I'm out of groceries. Whatever I need, I need in case I get snowed in," said Tulsan Linda Carter.

Newson6.com Tips For Dealing With Extreme Cold

Local stores are bustling with business as residents stock up on supplies.

"Batteries is something I couldn't get last time," said Tulsan Mary Leming.

"Personally if you need to stock up you obviously need to get some ice melter, ice scrapers, de-icer. We have the ice cleats you can put on if you are out trying to walk on it," said Rich Womack with Best Electric and Hardware.

Tulsans know the drill. If you don't already have it, keep a home emergency kit stocked with medication, clothes for layering, matches. Buy non-perishable food.

"Don't buy everything that has to go in the refrigerator. Do buy like peanut butter crackers. Things that do not have to be cooked or refrigerated, or you will starve to death," said Tulsan Leah Petherick.

Have a backup power supply in case the power goes out. Have flashlights, batteries, and a battery operated radio. If the pipes freeze you will want to have stored water. And, don't forget your pets. .

"I'm here because I'm afraid the ice will be as such that I will be stuck in for a couple of days and I don't want my pets to be without food," said Tulsan Lisa Smith.

Pet stores are stocked up on clothes and warming beds. Plus, there is a special de-icer that won't harm the pads of your pooch's paws. If you must venture out, stores plan to open despite the weather's challenges.

"We were open seven days with no power last time, ten hours a day so yeah we'll be open, whether there is power or not," said Rich Womack with Best Electric and Hardware.

Many stores also have supplies of firewood, matches, and generators in case the power goes out for a long period of time.