The February 2009 Snowmageddon, the Christmas blizzard of 2010 and the recent storm in the South and North are clear indication that we're in for some major winter weather in the future. Previous storms have completely put out of sync most (if not all) modes of transportation, stranding millions of people in sometimes very dire situations. While it's always recommended to limit travel during these times, it's not always possible to plan so far ahead. So here are some interesting, inspiring and informative lessons from stranded stories that may help you during the next snow storm.
1. Tweet it:
Ann Curry's famous tweet about Doctors without Borders after the Haiti earthquake made a huge difference in the relief efforts. Even New Jersey mayor Cory Booker used Twitter in the last blizzard to help out those in most need. The mayor rallied his troops to rescue anyone stuck in the two feet of snow. A TIME article describes more of the Mayor's efforts,...Booker, who played football at Stanford, helped dig out a New Jersey transit bus. "It's an endurance test." This is not the first time Booker has responded to distressed citizens on Twitter. He shoveled the driveway of an elderly man last New Year's Eve after the man's daughter tweeted about his predicament. He also hit the streets during snowstorms last February.
If you're stranded and you need help, don't forget to reach out via Twitter. An Ann Curry or Mayor Brooker might be in the area to help you out.
2. Bring Extras:
Meghan Johnson, got stuck in New York City after her holiday vacation because of the major blizzard. Her main concern during her extended stay in the city was that her epilepsy medication was running low and she couldn't get extras from the dug stores in the U.S. She feared the combination of the stress and lack of medication would lead to a seizure. Take Johnson's story as a lesson and when you're out traveling take extras of the things you cannot live without, just to be on the safe side.3. Dress Warmly:
Can you imagine yourself being stranded in a New York City train over night with 400 other people, with very little heat? Christopher Mullen, boarded the A Train dressed lightly after a trip to Mexico not expecting to get stuck in the New York public transit, but had to spend the night huddled with his girlfriend for body heat. The extra layers may have helped pass the night a bit more comfortably on this ride.4. Don't Forget your Please and Thank Yous:
Jeremy Korpas, was on his way home on December 26th, when the blizzard intervened and canceled his flight. Days later, back at the airport trying to get back home, Korpas found the terminal jam packed with angry travelers also trying to get home. During times of chaos, Korpas's story will show that patience and a few kind words go a long way. That night, he ended up with the only standby seat on a flight back home, with an upgrade from the ticketing agent who really appreciated his kind demeanor.
5. Help Others in Need:
During a major snowstorm in Ontario that stranded many travelers, truckers came to the rescue."I noticed a couple, along with their baby, behind me stranded in a car. I have a nice warm cab, so I invited them in to spend the night," Virgin said yesterday from County Road 22 where he was expecting to remain until later today.In another instance, Bill Justice, a driver with Trailwood offered a heated bunk to another driver. And Dan Moreland, a driver with Elgin Motor Freight, invited in an overnight guest who was stranded for 30 hours. Justice said many truck drivers were doing the same to help those stuck in passenger vehicles to stay warm through the night.
6. Look on the Bright Side
Being stranded in a blizzard for days or even hours would make anyone frustrated. But if you are one of the more fortunate ones and have the necessities to pass the night or the next several nights with enough food, water and heat, why not make the best out of the situation? You could make your own sled and take it out for a ride, or try some indoor games. For some others, it might not be that glamorous, but you can still find comfort in good company.Andrew Lauda, a Navy officer had just come home to spend the holidays with his wife and 3-month-old son, when the family got stuck on the highway on their way to grandma's. They luckily found shelter in a bus with enough heat to last night with the help from a near by stranger and made it home safely after 18 hours. After the experience, Lauda has these words to share,
I haven't seen my wife in six and a half months, so we had a lot of time to talk and catch up.
Safe travels everyone!
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