An e-mail from New Jersey:

Why all the panic when a snow storm of anything more than 6” is about to befall us? Unless there is some freak weather problem (a few years ago I78 in eastern PA was closed for several days because it got covered in 2-3 inches of ice before changing over to snow), all major roads are cleared within 24 hours, and secondary ones usually within 48.
I believe the panic ensues because we fear that we might just have to stay home (God forbid), spend time with our family or by ourselves (GOD FORBID), and have to entertain ourselves outside of our normal routine (OMG, what AM I going to do? Read a book!)
Most people have enough food in their homes to last at several days. Being lucky enough to own a farm, the freezers are packed with food from the summer garden. The six chickens are still laying eggs, albeit at a slightly lower rate than in summer. The two roosters who were supposed to give their lives for the greater good back at Thanksgiving are still in their cages and the ax is sharpened. The cows are in the pasture and we have plenty of ammunition.
If we get snowed in, so what? We just sit back and enjoy God’s gifts – beautiful scenery, quiet surroundings, and time to relax, reflect, and enjoy.
Now if we run out of toilet paper…That’s an emergency.