CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – As winter weather approaches the Charlotte area, local businesses and officials are encouraging residents to prepare early.

Blackhawk Hardware, located at the Park Road Shopping Center in Charlotte, is urging shoppers to stock up on supplies now to avoid traveling once snow and ice hit.

Craig Anderson, General Manager of Blackhawk Hardware, said on Wednesday, Jan. 8 that the store has been experiencing an increase in sales over the past several days.

“Haven’t had a storm for a while, so we’ve been sitting on some supplies,” Anderson said. “Believe it or not, it started over the weekend a little. But, as we get closer to the event, people are responding more, and trying to get ahead of the game, which is what they should be doing.”

Among the top-selling items on Wednesday were sleds and ice melt.

“Sleds, hands down, have been the biggest seller,” Anderson said. “But then, ice melt is probably the second. You’ve got to be safe walking outside.”

The North Carolina Department of Emergency Management has issued a list of essential supplies for residents to have on hand before the storm, including:

• A seven-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Fuel for cars, heaters, and stoves.
• Blankets and warm clothing.
• Salt or sand for icy walkways.

Anderson emphasized the importance of protecting homes from the cold.

“We’ve got lock de-icers, insulation for your windows and doors, and frost protection for outdoor faucets to prevent freezing and water damage,” Anderson said.

During a visit to Blackhawk Hardware on Wednesday, WBTV’s Jason Puckett observed that shelves remained stocked with essentials like gloves, shovels, warmers, and car scrapers — but Anderson warned that supplies are depleting quickly.

“We’d like everybody to get in as soon as they can,” Anderson said. “Supplies will run out eventually. We have an obligation to serve the community, so we’ll be open as long as we can keep our employees safe.”

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