The word “snowpocalypse” was first uttered at Infomedia around 9:15 on the morning of Tuesday, January 28th. Little did we know how true that would become.
The word “snowpocalypse” was first uttered at Infomedia around 9:15 on the morning of Tuesday, January 28th. It was meant ironically. There were a few flakes falling, and we were all joking about making grocery store runs for milk and bread. Little did we know how true those predictions would become. It’s safe to say that we underestimated the gravity of the situation. By the time we started trying to leave, some of us couldn’t even get out of the parking lot. In the end, 10 proud Infomedians spent the night in our cozy offices. And by cozy, I mean cozy to work in, not cozy to sleep in — 10 people had five couches and a donated old Guthries restaurant booth to divide between us. We hoped for a miracle, like the loaves and fishes, but with office couches. That didn’t exactly happen, but the power stayed on and the Netflix connection stayed strong, so in the end our prayers were answered after all.
Although there was enough room to sleep at the office, we didn’t have enough food or, more importantly, beer. Kyle, Andrew, Alex and Stuckey decided to brave the elements for the 1.5 mile walk to Publix to solve that problem while Joy and Alex walked to Interstate 65 to rescue one of Joy’s friends who was stranded in a car there.
Through all of the hiking and planning, one thing remained constant: Jimmy kept working. He worked until 2 a.m., and then he woke up the next morning and started working again. He didn’t even allow himself to be distracted by the Mystery Science Theater 3000 marathon in the next room. As those of you who’ve had the pleasure of working with Jimmy know, he is very focused. He closed more work orders in 48 hours than there were cars stranded on the interstate.
All joking and beer runs aside, we know we were incredibly blessed that all of us Infomedians had shelter either at home, with friends, or at the office — we all know people who didn’t have that luxury. Once we were all back together, we started sharing stories. Here’s an update from those of us who weren’t stranded at Camp Infomedia:
- Clay managed to rescue his 6-year-old son from his school on Highway 119 near Oak Mountain, but his 4-wheel drive could only get him back to within 10 miles of his house in Bluff Park. Clay awards the “2014 Neighbor of the Year” trophy to a friend who drove 20 miles round trip on a Kawasaki Mule to rescue Clay and his son, as well as lots of other people that they met along the way.
- Jason and his family spent the night sleeping on the floor of Hunter Street Baptist Church. It wasn’t the most comfortable floor ever, but they were so grateful for the hospitality.
- Lance’s wife is a teacher at Edgewood Elementary School, and one of the parents there gave them a place to stay and delicious food to eat. Lance has already tried to book additional nights at their house for their anniversary.
- Leslie’s husband, Chance, spent all afternoon and evening rescuing neighbors in their four-wheeler.
We want to salute all of the people and businesses who went above and beyond to help their neighbors. I had a friend who spent the night in an impromptu shelter at Veterans Oil Company on Highway 150 in Bessemer. They provided breakfast from the Flowers Bakery next door, which was the first meal many had eaten in 24 hours.
Finally, I’d like to salute the guy who walked by my house wearing scrubs, tennis shoes with surgical covers over them, a white hospital robe pulled up over his head like Cornholio, and a surgical mask. I don’t know which one of my neighbors you are, but you win outfit of the year. Please enjoy our pictures from Snowpocalypse 2014.