HOUSTON -- With the threat of Tropical Storm Edouard looming, storm supplies flew off the shelves at local grocery and home improvement stores Monday, KPRC Local 2 reported.

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Residents are bracing for the worst from Edouard.

"We've had a strong run on batteries, flashlights, portable lanterns and battery powered radios," said Zion Greenfield, a specialist at a Home Depot store on Loop 610 and Highway 59.

Greenfield said people are concerned about staying safe and protecting their belongings in the event of flooding or the loss of electricity.

"I'm just hedging my bets here, and making sure I've got gas cans. We'll be running a lot of chain saws and pole saws," said Glen Haynes who works for Green Pros Commercial Landscaping.

Haynes said his company would respond quickly in the event trees topple over, causing damage or blocking property belonging to customers.

Other people shopped for supplies to protect their homes and their offices.

"We're buying some things for our office to have bags to put computers in, tape and some plastic," said Pam Ramsey, who was shopping with her boss Cathy Williams.

"Obviously it's important to be prepared. I think the storm is more of an inconvenience more than anything as far as damage goes, but you got to be prepared," said Williams.

Meanwhile, the manager of a Wal-Mart located at Westheimer Road and South Kirkwood told KPRC Local 2 that his store is busier than normal for a Monday.

Shoppers were stocking up on non-perishable canned goods, water and camping equipment.

Some local stores were experiencing empty shelves, but managers were confident that the suppliers would make deliveries before nightfall.