Do you get snow where you live? Do people panic?

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Living in Baltimore City and hearing the word "snow" is a dangerous mix. People go into ridiculous panic when they hear a couple inches of snow might be heading our way. Why do people react so frenzied when something so natural occurs? It's been snowing for millions of years on our planet. Some places get snow much more often and in larger quantities than others, but it's nothing out of the ordinary. Once the snow is expected, no matter how little, even half an inch causes panic in the hearts of some Marylanders; it's as though they might be trapped in their homes for weeks on end. Who KNOWS how long an inch of snow might incapacitate the city?! Schools close early when they see flurries, even if there's no accumulation. Businesses and schools alike go in late or shut down completely. We got our mail today (you've got to love the United States Postal System!), and the trash men were supposed to come get our garbage, but they never arrived. WE BARELY HAD ANY FLURRIES AND NO SNOW ACCUMULATION AT THE TIME!! I understand the need for this, since accidents are more likely with hazardous conditions such as snow and ice. Sometimes public transportation will be unable to run as frequently as normal, causing hundreds of people to wait longer or find an alternate method of traveling. There are also many other disasters that could potentially result, but with a few flurries it's rarely necessary unless a large storm is predicted, and, in the Baltimore metropolitan region, this is actually very rare. Most winters are not severe here. To take this even further, many other cities do experience severe winters each and every winter without fail, and they handle it just fine. Granted, they are a bit more used to it so most people are equipped with chains on their wheels if necessary, rock salt handy for numerous situations, extra shovels, and the like. In Baltimore, we get snow consistently enough, and sometimes even bad storms if we are lucky, but most people's reaction is still the same: utter panic and chaos! Everyone is required to do certain things in emergencies such as this: Drive slowly, yet still wrecklessly, to the nearest grocery store. Once in the store, grab everything you don't need and rush through the mob, only to realize you FORGOT to grab the essentials such as bread, milk, toilet paper, a zillion canned good items, batteries, and flashlights. Stand in line giving everyone the evil eye. Try to push through or past the weaker people in line. Etc etc. Also, what IS with the driving?? People either drive five miles per hour, or way more wrecklessly than before, swerving around everyone and going twenty miles over the speed limit, poppin' wheelies, doing donuts in parking lots... There is no happy medium. Do they not realize that, while it's not really cause for great concern, they could take it a little easy as the driving conditions DO change when there is precipitation, especially when you mix in the cold factor and potential ice. It's not winter yet, but I personally love snow and can't wait to see flurries or to have a big blizzard, despite the havoc it would be sure to cause. The past few winters in Baltimore can be characterized as balmy. It felt almost like spring all winter, except for a few days when it was cold, perhaps windy and rainy. Since it's been so nice the last few winters, my prediction is that we'll have a huge storm soon, but, if not, Baltimore is bound to get at least a little snow. Like it or not, panic or not. SO DO YOU GET SNOW IN YOUR AREA? How do people handle it?