Residents prepare for winter storm

January 19, 2019 12:14 am

Rachael Perry

By Jordan Mazza

SMITHFIELD, RI (WLNE) — “I believe in prep work,” said Cathy Lamarre of Smithfield.

And so do others here at Dave’s Marketplace in Smithfield.

Shoppers say they’re stocking up on food essentials for the storm — like corn chowder for their husbands.

“He’s got to go shovel,” Lamarre said. “I can at least make him a good dinner.”

Meanwhile at Adler’s Hardware in Providence, ice melt and shovels are in demand.

“I’m a landlord so I’ve got to make sure I take care of my tenants,” said Nathan Kelly of Providence. “And this sounds like a pretty nasty one on Sunday. So I’ve got my ice melt, a five–gallon bucket to go with it. I’m ready to go.”

The owner of the 100-year-old store says plummeting temperatures after the snow add to the danger.

“Even if you’ve done a good job shoveling, and there’s a mixture and it gets down to four degrees, everyone’s going to need to treat those surfaces to make them safe,” said Harry Adler.

But the safest option is admitting winter weather is finally here — and staying home to celebrate it.

“I’ve been enjoying this winter,” Lamarre said. “I’m kind of talking myself into liking this part too. Just kick back and make the corn chowder, and hang around.”