Slingerlands, N.Y. - As residents continue prepping for Sandy, they came to a Slingerlands hardware store Saturday after calling all over New England and areas further. They say it is the only place where they could order a generator from.
"I was fortunate enough to come here and they had one left," said Steve Lobel of Slingerlands.
Lobel was able to secure Olsen Hardware's very last generator in stock, making the search for others driving from out of town a challenge.
"We were hoping to find a generator because they were all sold out on Long Island," said Heidi Mazzola of Long Island.
It's anticipated that Sandy will have a severe impact on Long Island. Lucky for Mazzola and the crowd that showed up Saturday they were able to order another shipment. The store received around 100 orders on Saturday.
sot - Steve Williams Olsen's Hardware and Garden Center
"It's been pretty hectic, phone calls every two seconds," said Steven Williams with Olsen's Hardware and Garden Center.
For many Sandy brings anxiety and haunting memories of last year's devastating effects of Tropical Storms Lee and Irene.
"At least with the generator we'll have some power and that was the main thing last year we were without power for over a week, so it was pretty tough," said Mazzola.
Lobel's home was flooded last September, making him all the more ready to prepare early this time around.
"What I don't like is to be feeling helpless but now that I know I've done everything that I can do, now I have some piece of mind," said Lobel.
Joe Schneider is using a generator for the first time.
"At least this will keep the refrigerator cold and the pellet stove going so we'll have heat," said Schneider of Westerlo.
There are some tips a first time generator user should know.
"Never run a generator indoors. You have to have it in a well ventilated area or outside," said Williams.
Even after all the prepping for some its still difficult waiting to see just what Sandy will bring.
"I don't think I'll feel better until it's all over," said Mazzola.
Those who purchased generators on Saturday are expected to be picking them up once the shipment comes in on Sunday morning. They'll be loading up, heading home, and hoping that they don't have to use them.
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