INGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Preparations began early Monday morning in anticipation of the snow with local hardware stores keeping busy.

The storm is expected to bring in some heavy and wet snow which could potentially lead to outages, that’s why it’s a good idea to start stocking up on some of those essential supplies just in case. However, you don’t have to be a girl scout to get ready for this Nor’easter.

Stocking up on snow removal necessities is a good place to start. Local hardware stores, like Rocky’s Ace Hardware in Springfield, prepare for increased demand ahead of storms like these.

Lou Courteau, from Rocky’s Ace Hardware in Springfield told 22News, “It’s going to get very busy this evening. Around dinner time, everyone’s going to come get their salt, their snow shovels.”

This storm will likely come with heavy snow mixed with wind, threatening power outages, so making sure your generator is functioning properly is also a good idea. Aside from items to handle the snow, the American Red Cross also recommends stocking up on items like food, water and medicine ahead of a winter storm.

Paula Click of Springfield told 22News, “How do I prepare? I got my candles, I got my lamps, you know the kind of lamps with the kerosene oil from Jamaica, I got that. Food in the house and blankets, so you know I’m preparing a lot of things.”

One of the most popular purchases ahead of a storm like this is ice melt. Courteau told 22News it’s important to pick out the right kind of ice melt.

“The big difference is, rock salt you definitely don’t want to put on concrete, it will deteriorate your concrete. You want to use calcium chloride, and then the pet-friendly one is safe on their paws,” said Courteau.

Rocky’s was stocked up with that ice melt, salt, and other winter essentials Monday morning, and as you gear up with supplies ahead of the snow day, local DPWs and businesses are getting ready to treat the roads.