Depending on the client site I'm on, I will often bring my laptop to & from work with me daily. If I had to hoof it home, I'd be very reluctant to leave the laptop behind unless I had I very compelling reason for doing so (I can't think of one off the top of my head).

In my recent attempt at trying this out, my pack weighed a bit over 17 lbs (after stowing my leather jacket when I got too warm).

Part of this is the assumption that whatever emergency I'd be facing would be a short-term one. By having my laptop at home with me I'd have the ability (in most cases) to work remotely as things were stabilizing and getting back to normal - reducing my exposure any potential additional risk or headaches.

I'd be reluctant to stay at work in such scenarios, assuming I though getting home was a realistic option, primarily due to family responsibilities. That said, I have a shorter distance to cover than you so, like most things, individual circumstances need to be taken into consideration.