Surviving the Snow: Three Days Snowed In at Work

Imagine being trapped in your workplace for three days, with no chance of escape due to heavy snowfall. How would you prepare and what strategies would you employ to ensure your survival and comfort?

I used to work for Walmart, and a few years ago, the city experienced a severe flood. Both rivers in the city flooded, making it nearly impossible to enter or leave certain areas. Fremont, my town, was effectively an island, with every hotel and other accommodations booked to overcapacity. People were sleeping in the lobbies, and displaced residents were staying in rented U-Hauls in parking lots. This scenario, while rare, taught me the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations at work.

Experiencing the Snowed-In Phenomenon

One day, I found myself snowed in at Walmart. My initial plans to sleep in my truck or camp in my car didn't work out, and I faced the harsh reality of being trapped in the building overnight. Fortunately, an associate suggested setting up a makeshift room in an unused office area. With a cheap air mattress, a pillow, and a blanket, I created a comfortable space, complete with food and entertainment.

Key Strategies for Snowed-In Situations

Addressing the Unforeseen

For those of us who spend a majority of our time in a specific business establishment, the likelihood of being snowed in increases. Even if your area rarely sees significant snowfall or snow typically falls during the night, unexpected closures can still occur. For example, enough snow might accumulate during the night to make your workplace inaccessible the next day, even if the weather appears to have cleared.

Here’s a step-by-step plan to ensure you are prepared if you find yourself snowed in at work:

Prepare a Backup Environment: Designate an area within your workplace where you can set up a temporary bed. An unused office or storage room can be turned into a makeshift room. Gather Essential Supplies: Keep a few essentials at hand, such as a small air mattress, pillow, and blanket. Consider having a few extra blankets and a heat source like a portable heater or an energy-efficient lamp. Secure Food and Water: Stock up on non-perishable foods and water. Ensure the food in the break room or kitchen is safe to consume, especially if you haven’t used the area recently. Stay Informed: Keep a charged phone, and have access to a radio or other means of receiving weather updates. Stay Warm: Covering yourself with cushions or using multiple layers of clothing can provide warmth. Keep your body insulated from the cold.

Specific Scenario: Snowed in at a Medical Clinic

Assuming you work in a medical clinic, here’s a specific scenario: Perhaps enough snow accumulates overnight that the clinic decides not to open, but the weather appears clear enough for you to go in and reschedule appointments. You live closest to the building, but the weather worsens or a utility pole falls, blocking your exit. In this case, you need to prioritize your safety and comfort:

1. Shut Down Computers: Immediately turn off the computers to conserve power and ensure your phone stays charged.

2. Use Available Resources: Cover yourself with available cushions or blankets on the sofas. If it gets too cold, wear multiple layers of clothing.

3. Ensure Water Supply: Check the water supply and fill glasses to have a reserve. Stay hydrated as much as possible.

4. Avoid Refrigerated Food: Trust only the food you have stored in your personal possession, as the refrigerator might not be reliable.

Conclusion

Being snowed in at work is an unsettling but potentially survivable experience. By preparing in advance and following some essential strategies, you can ensure your safety and comfort during such an unexpected situation.

Note: Always stay informed and follow local recommendations during severe weather events.