My office has been doing business with a data firm in Newcastle, Australia...

[Leith]

3. I know how you feel

I used to be my company's primary point person with the New Jersey Department of Gaming Enforcement - when Hurricane Sandy hit. I didn't hear from them for a couple weeks and their building had been flooded out. It turned out that all was well and nobody was hurt. I hope you find the same with your contacts.

Canetoad is right about closures. Our Australian office closed completely for Christmas until after the New Year every year - paid with no vacation time dinged. Yes, we Americans gave each other significant looks a lot.