(01/25/19) - With another round of extreme cold and snow headed our way, people are hitting the stores to make sure they're prepared!
One man bought pet safe ice melt from the Menards in Clio Friday ahead of a bitter cold snap in mid-Michigan.
It's one of several items in-demand right now. ABC12 cameras followed Assistant General Manager Rich Strelec to take a look at what people are coming in to buy.
"This is the convenience stack that we'll put out for our guests to be able to grab something if they're in a hurry. This one is calcium chloride, and that's the one that's going to help when the temperature gets really low," Strelec said.
The face masks have already sold out but there are plenty of other hat options. Gloves are, of course, a necessity as well.
"With the temperatures dipping into the negatives next week, something like this can be very helpful," Strelec said.
People will also want to layer up to prevent frostbite.
"And that's the best way to keep warm going through this, is put on as many layers as possible," Strelec said.
Of course, stocking up on food is just as important.
"While people are here shopping for their cold weather stuff they can stop in the grocery area that we just remodeled. Added to make it a little easier to shop. You know, water is very popular for us," Strelec said.
While they're in good supply right now, Strelec expects several items to be swiped up in the coming days.
"I'm going to expect that the salt to get rid of the - to help melting stuff if they can get rid of - the ice melt will do that. Heaters. People's furnaces are going to go out and they're going to need something temporary because all the furnace repair men are going to be busy," Strelec said.
Strelec says customers are also looking to repair pipes and prevent frozen pipes.
Michigan State Police provided this information about frozen pipes:
To prevent frozen pipes:
• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold-water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a costlier repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
To thaw frozen pipes:
• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
Residents who need assistance or guidance during the extreme cold are encouraged to call 211.