Common Sense During aState of Emergency/Snow Storm
I want to be clear about something, because nuance matters in this conversation.
There are employers who handle snow emergencies professionally. Some businesses don’t officially close but still respect their employees’ safety concerns, communicate reasonably, and allow people to stay home if conditions are unsafe. That kind of response is commendable and should be the standard.
That said, professionalism from an employer does not change the underlying reality: food service is not legally classified as an essential service during a state of emergency caused by severe weather.
A snow emergency isn’t declared so businesses can decide who feels essential — it’s declared to protect public safety and allow infrastructure and emergency operations to function without unnecessary interference. The intent is simple: people stay home, roads get cleared, and normal activity resumes once conditions improve.
In reality, most people already prepare in advance. When major storms are forecast, households stock up on groceries days ahead of time. Meals are planned. Essentials are already in place. The vast majority of the public is not ordering food or going out during the height of a storm — and they shouldn’t be.
The few people who do stop somewhere are usually road crews, utility workers, or plow operators already working in the area. And while it may be convenient for them to grab a snack or coffee if something happens to be open, convenience does not equal necessity. That does not make a business legally essential.
Keeping food service open during a snow emergency does not meaningfully support public need. What it does do is put additional cars on unsafe roads, slow down plowing operations, and increase the risk of accidents — all for minimal demand. That undermines the entire purpose of the emergency declaration.
The issue becomes more serious when workers don’t have flexibility. Not everyone works for an employer willing to let them make a safety-first decision. Some people feel pressured to drive in dangerous conditions to avoid discipline, lost wages, or retaliation. That should never be the expectation during an emergency.
One day of closure is not a crisis.
An accident, injury, or loss of life is.
This is not about criticizing responsible employers — it’s about recognizing reality. Food service may be valuable in normal conditions, but during a snow emergency, it is not essential, not legally required, and not necessary for the public to function.
Stay home when roads are unsafe.
Let crews clear the streets.
Reduce unnecessary traffic.
Protect workers.
Resume normal operations when conditions are safe.
That’s not extreme.
That’s not controversial.
That’s basic common sense.
#StateOfEmergency #WorkerSafety #CommonSense #SnowStorm #NotEssential
Having personally experienced several snow emergencies, I've realized how crucial it is to respect the intent behind these declarations. A snow emergency is primarily about safety: ensuring that road crews, emergency responders, and essential workers can perform their duties effectively without unnecessary obstacles. From my own observations, businesses that choose to stay open during heavy storms often see very minimal customer traffic—most people wisely avoid venturing out. This aligns with the article’s point that food service is not legally essential during such times, even if it can be convenient. Convenience should never override safety. In fact, one of the key things I’ve learned is the importance of preparing in advance. Before a storm hits, stocking up on groceries, planning meals, and having essential supplies ready essentially removes the need to go out during the worst weather. It’s a simple step that greatly reduces risk. I’ve also noticed that some employees in food service or retail can feel pressured to come into work despite dangerous road conditions. This pressure can lead to anxiety and unsafe choices. Workplaces with flexible policies that allow employees to prioritize their safety set a positive example. The image of a 'ROAD CLOSED' sign—common during these emergencies—is a stark reminder that roads are not safe for non-essential travel. Keeping unnecessary vehicles off the road helps plows clear streets faster and reduces risk of accidents. To sum up, I believe respecting the intent of snow emergency declarations by staying home, reducing non-essential travel, and supporting workers’ choices to prioritize safety benefits the entire community. It’s a matter of common sense that, when widely practiced, helps save lives and speeds recovery after storms.