Altruism During Blizzards, Emergencies and Disasters in the Upper Peninsula

(Illustrative Only)

Dog sleds still 
have a purpose
around here. 

So do snowmobiles.

 We recently experienced a blizzard—our own version of a natural disaster—with two days of relentless, horizontal snowfall pounding against the windows. There was real concern about losing power, which would have affected heating, and the snow continued to pile up for days. Trees were at risk of cracking under the weight, and no one could leave their homes. Even after nearly four feet of snow fell, it took another full day just to dig out, and several more for life to return to normal.

What stands out in situations like this, especially in our area, is how neighbors take care of one another. People share materials, resources, and time whenever needed. For example, one neighbor’s truck got stuck while trying to plow his driveway—the snow was so deep it lifted the vehicle off its wheels. Several of us went out and spent about an hour digging him out, after which he was able to clear his driveway and get to work as a first responder. We have a few in the neighborhood.

In another instance, a neighbor ran out of gas for his snowblower, so I gave him some from my own supply. Later, while I was struggling with a five-foot snow drift in front of my house, that same neighbor returned the favor by using his truck to plow part of my driveway. Another neighbor joined in to help snowblow, and together we were able to manage the situation.

Experiences like this highlight an important reality: in times of crisis, communities rely on one another. While broader societal discussions often focus on large-scale policies and infrastructure, they can overlook the human, community-level interactions where real support and resilience are built. It is within these everyday acts of cooperation that the true values of society are formed and sustained. Listen to the average person and you will find our collective wisdom that doesn't always filter upward.

How do people support each other in emergencies? A qualitative exploration of altruistic and prosocial behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• Study analyzed 104 real-world stories of altruistic behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic to understand patterns of helping behavior across countries

• Groups receiving the most support included older adults, individuals with health conditions or disabilities, frontline workers, and marginalized or working-class populations

• Three main types of support were identified: material (e.g., goods/resources), social/emotional, and psychological assistance

• Support was provided by a range of actors, including organizations, volunteers, and individuals from more advantaged groups

• Key motivations for helping behavior included a shared sense of humanity or community identity, allyship, and expressions of gratitude

• Findings highlight how prosocial behavior can emerge strongly during crises and contribute to supporting vulnerable populations

• The study contributes to understanding how and why people engage in altruism during emergencies, emphasizing the importance of social connection and collective responsibility

Tekin, S., Sager, M., Bushey, A., Deng, Y., & Uluğ, Ö. M. (2021). How do people support each other in emergencies? A qualitative exploration of altruistic and prosocial behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy, 21(1), 1113–1140. https://doi.org/10.1111/asap.12277