In Case Of Blizzard, Do Nothing

Is the weather outside beyond frightful? The beauty of getting snowed in is that you can’t do much about it but relax and enjoy the view.

- David Dudley

IN THE WINTER OF 1985, my hometown, Buffalo, was engulfed in a blizzard—not an uncommon occurrence for the region, which is justly famed for epic snows. But this was a big one, and the city’s blustery Irish American mayor, Jimmy Griffin, was at pains to persuade people to stop trying to go about their business as conditions deteriorated. He urged Buffalonians to “relax, stay inside, and grab a six-pack,” which must be the best advice any elected official ever gave the public in an emergency situation.