This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Bread, Milk and Non-Perishables Top Grocery Lists!

John Gallant of Killingworth, shopping at Robert's Food Center, said one thing he learned living in Florida is to prepared.

So, you are all set to ride out Hurricane Irene, except D-cell batteries.  Not to worry, Robert’s Food Center in North Madison will have them in stock on Saturday morning.

Even without those coveted D-cell batteries people are going in droves to Robert’s to stock up on water, bread and milk. 

Produce Manager Scott Ward says people coming into his store are definitely buying with an eye towards preparing for the storm.  “People are going crazy, it’s a mad house,” said Ward.  “We have been very, very busy.” 

Find out what's happening in Madisonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Yesterday was the first really, really busy day,” said Ward.  “We did twice the normal business than we normally do!”

“We used to live in Florida so we are used to this routine,” said John Gallant of Killingworth as he filled his Robert’s shopping cart with water.  Batteries, water and a few nonperishable items were on Gallant’s list.  Although he regularly shops at Robert’s this was an extra stop for him prior to the hurricane.

Find out what's happening in Madisonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Gallant learned his lesson after losing his Florida home to Hurricane Charlie.  He is not taking any chances and has some advice.  “The best thing is to be sensible.  If you’re not going to have power, prepare for it,” he said. “Make sure that you have water in your tubs so that you can flush your toilets if you need to.  Basically just prepare for not having power because I think that’s going to be the biggest issue,” he added.

As everyone prepares Robert’s has doubled its staff to accommodate everyone that needs to stock up. 

Madison resident Becky Riccio, working at checkout, said she was called in to do an extra shift today.  She said she senses something different about people’s attitudes, “they have to get stuff done, so they’re not really scared, but just anxious,” she said.

Gallant admits that while today the news may be that we will get a Category 1 storm we all should heed warnings.  He said one thing he learned living in Florida is that, “it can change on a dime.”   

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?