Not knowing all the facts, its hard to draw conclusions but reading the story did bring some thoughts to mind that are often expressed here.

1. A little preparedness is better than none. For less than $10 you can afford to keep a coffee can, a roll of toilet paper and some alcohol in the car to allow you to outlast the storm. Even a tarp and a pack of matches would be better than nothing.

2. Dress for the trip, not the destination.

3. One mile from home still isn't home. Truth be told, a lot of people might be tempted to walk home since they are so close and in familiar territoy. This is where the STOP acronym comes in.