The "Blizzard of 78", is a benchmark that I never wish to see again! Power was out at our place for 4 days (at a mile away in all directions, only 16 to 24 hours)
They (AEP) were building a new Hi Voltage transmission line a few hundred yards from our house. One of the neighbors, called the construction company and informed them we were commandeering their trucks and equipment. They were fine with it; "Just Don't Run Them Out Of Fuel!" was their only request. So, we checked in with the Local Fire Department, then cleared the roads and wellness checked every house! We got food to those without and helped with wood for fireplaces and wood stoves.
I made it back to work 5 days later. That night I picked up my best friend, we each bought a large pizza and a six-pack of Coke. Then went to an arcade to play pinball and video games and eat our pizzas, drink our pop and be left alone! I ended up with a couch sized pile of discarded clothes beside me, I had 8 layers of cloths on!
I got married that Spring. That winter was the benchmark I still use to check preparedness against. Food, heat, electricity and communications.
Our kids grew up hearing stories, and really didn't believe them. At 10- and 20-year anniversary's, the Kent State University TV station did documentaries, and showed the 25' tall snow drifts in some small town. Only a few died because of the storm. But I think It got closer for some then they ever thought they wood see!
Ivan
PS, 1979 had a Natural Gas shortage and schools were closed for 3 to 5 weeks depending on the district.
