When You’re Snowed In

Natural Disasters occur all the time. If you have ever been caught in one, you understand the importance of disaster planning.

We have had some extreme snowstorms locally in the past few years. A few years ago we were not able to cross the city line as the city was closed and it was illegal to drive. We spent 2 days in Rochester, 90 minutes away. When the ban was lifted and we were able to drive back home, we saw walls of snow that eclipsed the height of some houses! Luckily, we had packed extra clothes on our trip and we had our computers with us, so we didn’t miss a day of business.

This past weekend, many of our friends were snowed in under several feet of snow. Our local football team hosted a Sunday night game amidst all this snow. In some areas, the snow was relentless for several days. We, in the northern city, were spared but many of our friends and colleagues were not. The New York State Thruway was closed from Rochester into Pennsylvania due to backups from the snow accumulation in Pennsylvania. Police were giving out water and snacks to stranded motorists.

Both these scenarios stress the importance of planning for the unexpected if you live where it snows. Always have an extra bag of emergency items in your car and carry a phone or computer with you. This will allow you to stay connected, particularly if you are caught traveling on a work night. Having access to your employees, colleagues, and clients is important when weather delays your life and your work.

Special thanks to our friend, Cisco, in our photo, showcasing how deep the snow was at his farm in the Southtowns of Buffalo. His Dad helped him out of the snow after the photo so he could stay warm and fed! It is a great photo illustrating conditions you can suddenly find yourself in, most unexpectedly.

Plan a survival business bag in additional to your personal emergency bag. You really will be ready for anything then!

Be well!