Plant closing and notice period questions (Knoxville)

I received a formal notice about a mass layoff at my workplace. I have read a lot of threads here and could not find my exact situation. I do not know if I should start looking now or wait for severance news. What did the workforce office offer?

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

The workforce board ran a rapid-response session for us with résumé help and information on benefits. Ask if yours will.