Inclement weather brings the threat of power outages and the possibility of being stranded.

This weekend, Selma got its own taste of wintry chill with temperatures below freezing, and as residents rushed to the stores for bread, milk and canned goods, local grocery stores were well prepared.

Jimmie Coleman, director of Calhoun Foods, began restocking shelves early.

“We had to do a special order for additional milk, bread and water,” Coleman said. “As soon as people heard about the weather change they hit the stores hard. We dropped prices two weeks ago on the items, so prices are still the same.”

Marvin Foster, manager of Winn-Dixie on Highland Avenue, said customers bought more than the usual bread, eggs and milk.

“People bought a lot of water,” Foster said. “There’s also been an increase in lunchmeat and canned meat. Weather like this takes a lot of planning, and we planned three days ahead of time.”

Susie Harrison, cashier at Washington Street Supermarket agrees.

“People bought more than just milk,” Harrison said. “They bought a lot of juice and soda as well.”

In the case of a power outage at the store lasting more than three days, Foster said he has a backup plan.

“We’ll call the power company and our distribution center in Montgomery will give us a refrigerated trailer to put the items on,” Foster said. “What we can save, we’ll save.”

Many people may ask, “What’s the big deal about bread and water?”

Coleman said the answer is simple.

“It’s about buying items that will sustain you through a natural disaster,” Coleman said. “You can buy bread for peanut butter and jelly, make a sandwich with lunch meat or use the milk for cereal. Vienna Sausage and canned vegetables will work too.”

Coleman said residents should be prepared for harsh weather with more than just food.

“Stock up on plenty of batteries,” Coleman said.