DAYTON — As we prepare for the winter storm that is anticipated to impact the Miami Valley, stores like Ace Hardware are seeing more and more people come in to stock up on salt.
Shawn Cagle, of Dayton, told News Center 7′s Mike Campbell that he bought eight bags of salt because he plans to be shoveling snow and laying down salt, in hopes of keeping sidewalks clear at the apartment complex he works at.
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“We haven’t had this much snow in a long time, all at once,” Cagle said. “We got people coming in to plow, but I have to go out and shovel.”
The demand for salt, and a lot of other supplies, has kept counters full of customers.
Elizabeth Blackwell, cashier supervisor at Handyman Ace Hardware, said they see an influx of customers “every big snow.” This week, many people want to get their supplies before the first day the rain arrives.
“[They’re] worried about ice and power outages, so I’m selling a lot of batteries and a lot of flashlights,” Blackwell said.
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With snow expected, many have wondered who is responsible for clearing in off sidewalks. The city of Dayton’s ordinance stated that “property owners and tenants are responsible for cleaning snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to properties owned or occupied.”
Cagle said his employers want to try to help their tenants walk safely. He said he will be out there as snow falls, but its not the favorite part of his job.
“No, it is back-breaking, hurts your back and everything else, but it has to be done,” Cagle said.
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