Tropical Storm Francine preparations include gas and groceries

JEFFERSON PARISH, La. ( WGNO ) — People aren’t wasting any time preparing for Tropical Storm Francine , from stopping at the bank, to stocking up on groceries and gas.

“Prepare early,” said Wayne Thomas, who filled up his car on Monday. “Always be prepared during storm season.”

That’s the advice several people are taking ahead of Francine. With about two days before her landfall, the Race Trac on Jefferson Highway was nearly full as several people made sure to have plenty of gas in their tanks.

“That was the first thing I learned in [Hurricane] Camille, because I didn’t understand the long lines at the gas station when I went to the grocery store, and someone told me, if the power goes out, the pumps don’t work,” explained a woman who was filling up her car at the Race Trac.

Meanwhile, Zuppardo’s Family Market in Metairie was just as busy.

“We were here to make a presentation today, but with the inclement weather, there’s nobody gonna have time to talk to salesmen today; because years ago, I was a store manager, and I wouldn’t want to talk to salesmen today,” said 5-hour Energy salesman and Hammond resident Frank Schiro.

It’s less talking and more stocking.

“Water’s in the car already,” Schiro said. “I stopped, got me some water inside, got a little peanut butter and jelly, few little snacks for my wife.”

The owners of Zuppardo’s say their shelves have the items you need.

“Well, we have plenty of water on hand at all times, and this time of year, we have tons,” said Zuppardo’s Family Market co-owner Joseph Zuppardo.

Other necessities include batteries, canned goods and non-perishable items.

While Zuppardo’s helps their customers prepare for the storm, they have a game plan as well.

“We make sure we have all the registers open so people can get in, get home, be safe, and then once they’re all gone, we send our people home to make sure that they can hunker down and be safe, also,” Zuppardo said.

It’s also recommended to get cash from your local ATM because you may end up on the road or in an area without power.

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