I envision it like a Lord of The Rings type of deal, written in 3 tomes.
...Book 1; The Dawn Awakening. Recognizing that the Dawn Awaking is coming, and prepping for it.
...Book 2; Burial! Survive at All Costs. The Dawn Awaking is upon us...The cape is buried! ...But somehow Tolland, CT is spared.
...Book 3; Thaw! Life begins again. Stories of despair, survival and hope are told as people dig out from the destruction.