Plant closing and notice period questions - 5 months and counting

I received a formal notice about a mass layoff at my workplace. There are 10 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. They offered a retention bonus for people who stay. Has anyone been through this?

Start your search early. I wish I had begun the day of the notice.

I stayed for the retention bonus and looked for work on the side. It cushioned the gap.