This winter proved exceptionally harsh across much of the nation. The storm system that hit Nashville and surrounding regions — which we quickly dubbed "Icepocalypse 2015" — was extensive. Initial ice accumulation damaged infrastructure significantly, closing Interstate 40 and grounding public transit. Then came the temperature swings: single-digit cold, heavy snowfall, flooding, and more ice. It was a lot.
Difficult conditions have a way of prompting reflection. Here are four lessons Icepocalypse 2015 brought to mind:
1. Be informed.
"Being aware and alert of what's going on in your corner of the world is crucial. And being informed is very different than living in fear." Whether it's weather, industry trends, or fraud threats, knowledge enables better decisions. Ignorance rarely protects anyone.
2. Be flexible.
When circumstances deviate from expectations, adaptability matters. Analyzing what didn't work enables improvement. Even successful strategies deserve periodic reassessment rather than reflexive reapplication. Conditions change — your response should too.
3. Be helpful.
Sharing expertise assists others during difficult periods. Collaborative efforts consistently produce superior outcomes. The neighbors helping with cleanup, the colleagues stepping in to cover for each other — that's what gets a community through a crisis.
4. Be hopeful.
Emphasize positive outcomes while acknowledging new opportunities for learning that emerge from setbacks. Icepocalypse 2015 ended. The roads cleared, power was restored, and services resumed. Things almost always get better.
Community recovery progressed rapidly — as it tends to do when people look out for one another. We're grateful to Equinox for enabling continued business operations despite the facility closure during the worst of the storm. Thirty years in the telecommunications industry means knowing how to keep things running no matter what the weather brings.
About the Author — Amy Oldham manages corporate communications, technical documentation, customer publications, newsletters, email campaigns, and social media for Equinox Information Systems. To learn more, visit equinoxis.com or call (615) 612-1200.