How a Severe Winter Impacts on Individuals

Abstract

The winter of 1977?78 was the worst, on the basis of both low temperatures and snow, on record in Illinois and many other areas of the Midwest. Representatives of 70 households in central Illinois participated in a detailed study of how the extreme cold and snow affected individuals. The average added cost was $93 per individual, largely to residences and vehicles, and extrapolation of this to all Illinois citizens results in an estimated statewide cost in excess of $1 billion. This was compounded by a wide variety of personal inconveniences, worries, extra work, and injuries. There were no deaths in the sampled group but 52 Illinoisans were killed by the 18 winter storms. For those living in rural areas beyond the city of their employment, costs and inconveniences were greater. The average individual cost was $120, and rural dwellers experienced more travel problems, move delayed services, and more absences from school and work.