Lessons from a snow storm

Highway 402 in Ontario between Sarnia and London is shut down due to snow. This is of some interest to me because I used to travel along that road several times a month during college.

According to news reports on CBC and other Canadian outlets, between 300 - 400 drivers are stranded and waiting to be rescued by the military. However, police, military, and other government institutions are having trouble rescuing anyone because they claim their plows are getting stuck, their helicopters can't land in blowing snow, etc.

This made me think two things:
1) Be as prepared as you can so you don't have to rely on someone else for rescue! Have blankets, food, flashlight, shovel, portable radio, etc. in your car.
2) Note that local farmers are taking out their tractors and snowmobiles, rescuing people, and letting them stay at their houses. Note how much you pay in taxes to fund the snow plows, helicopters, and "emergency shelters" that no-one is using anyway.

Storm strands drivers near Sarnia
Storm strands hundreds
Military called in to handle motorists