Freshcuts in Bridgewater, NS says they're stocked up in anticipation of Hurrican Teddy. Photo: Evan Taylor
Grocery stores around the Maritimes have been very busy over the past few days as people stock up ahead of Hurricane Teddy.
Fresh Cuts Market in Bridgewater is a small local grocer and Co-owner Andrew Langille says they know what to expect when storms are in the forecast, “We order some extra product to accommodate the demand and we make sure to have lots of staff in the lead up so the lines can move quickly.”
Most grocery stores have backup generators in the event of a power outage to prevent their products from spoiling but Langille says if the power does go out they will likely have to shut their doors for customers.
“The generator is mainly there to keep our product fresh, so if the power goes out it’s unlikely we will be able to open our doors as that is more demanding energy-wise,” Langille said.
Fresh Cuts Market specializes in fresh local produce so almost all of their products are perishable and require refrigeration.
He also says that although they’ve been dealing with hurricanes since they first opened last years Hurricane Dorian taught them some lessons, “We had protocols in place last year but this year we’ve made some updates as last years storm came with prolonged power outages and we don’t want to risk our customers or employees safety and we want to avoid wasting any food.”
With high demand and capacity restrictions in place because of COVID-19, it’s likely most grocery stores will have lines outdoors but many like Freshcuts have installed outdoor shelters to protect customers from the weather while they wait.
Langille says as long as the power stays on they plan to stay open for their regular business hours throughout the storm.
