As a government worker, I often get alerts on my phone during emergencies, providing me with instructions for how I can help. For example, during Hurricane Sandy, I was sent alerts for volunteer opportunities at local schools and shelters. I really appreciated this, even though my response to these alerts (doing absolutely nothing, and carrying on with my day) might indicate otherwise.

So last night, my phone was on the table and I saw, from a distance, something about a blizzard alert. Being the concerned citizen that I am, I immediately got up and ran to my phone to see how bad things were.

Well. Turns out they’re pretty fucking bad.