Could It Happen Here?
Oh, dear readers, the reality is so much worse than anyone could imagine.
Now a recovery project, the flooding tragedy in central Texas has people in Shady Pines asking an important question: Are we prepared?
In a short period of time, the Guadalupe River swallowed too much rain over the Fourth of July weekend and roared out of its banks rising some thirty feet.
The powerful, rushing water swept away everything in its path in the middle of the night.
At the heart of this nightmare was Camp Mystic where young campers were sleeping. 
Twenty seven young girls and some of their counselors did not make it through the night alive.
Neither did more than a hundred other people.
Another hundred or more have still not been found.
Searching
The search goes on for the missing. So much loss. Such devestation. Unspeakable grief.
Shady Pines Story Town sits on the bank of the McCaw River. 
You have to take a bridge to get to River City on the other side.
We even have a lake near downtown. That’s a lot of water. And, it’s hurricane season.
Taking Action
Realizing this kind of natural disaster can happen anywhere, Mayor Beauregard P. Fibbs calls a meeting downtown at City Hall.
He brings together his staff and members of the community for this effort.
Naturally The Shady Pines Gazette editor Zulah Talmadge and Scoop the Cub Reporter are there to 
cover the news.
“Thank you everyone for coming,” says Mayor Fibbs. “I think we can all agree that we need to review our plan of action because these weather events are bigger and happening more often than ever before.”
Rita Malena, Director tof The Shady Pines Community Center has a question. “What are you thinking Mr. Mayor?” she askes.
“Oh, Rita, good. I’m glad you’re here,” says Fibbs. “We’ll want to use the community center as our staging area in case of an emergency. All food, water, clothing and other essentials will be brought there.”
Harold and Edna Sanders are t the meeting, too. Harold has a question. “What do business owners need to know?”
Pulling Together
“That’s a very good question, Harold,” says the mayor. “Since you own the Nuts ‘N Bolts Hardware store we’ll use your downtown location to coordinate with other business owners. You have tools for repairs and you can talk to Fred at Fred’s Corner Grocer and Maggie of Maggie’s Diner to help manage food supplies.”
“I bet Joe over at Cup ‘O Joe’s coffee shop will contribute drinks and snacks when we need them,” adds Harold.
The mayor claps his hands. “Great idea! Anyone else?”
Edna raises her hand. “Mayor Fibbs since so many of us have pets, I’d like to reach out to Pete at Pet’s Galore and see how we can round up supplies for any animals that might be displaced in a storm.”
Mayor Fibbs smiles. “That’s an excellent idea Edna,” he says. 
“Raising those rascals Boomer and Halley has taught you a thing or two about pet ownership hasn’t it?”
Edna sighs. “You have no idea.”
Seven year old Ray Robinson has a question. “Mr. Mayor. My mom says that we should practice our evacuation drill so we know what to do if we have to leave quickly.”
Mayor Fibbs walks over to the shy youngster. “That’s a really good idea Ray.”
Ray shuffles his feet. “The next time I play with Boomer and Halley I’ll teach them the plan, too!
“I cannot wait to watch you do that,” says Edna.
Harold chimes in. “Me either.”
The mayor chuckles. “Meanwhile I’m going to review our town’s budget so we have enough money to make sure our warning sirens are in tip top shape. That’s one of lessons from the floods in Texas. Too many people didn’t have enough warning.”
Next Steps
Zulah reviews her notes. “Mayor Fibbs are you going to have this action plan given to all of our neighbors?
“Yes Zulah. And I’d like you and Scoop to report what we discussed here. I’m sure there will be follow up articles too. Oh, and I’d like you to cooridnate emergency communication efforts with fire and police so everyone has the same information.”
“We will do it,” says Scoop. 
With that, the meeting is over. Once everyone is gone and he’s alone in his office, Mayor Fibbs takes a moment to look out his second story window onto Main Street below.
“Gosh I love this town,” he says to himself. After all, he grew up here. Now as mayor, Beauregard feels a real need to look after the good people who call this special place home – and those who come to visit.
We hope you drop in often. After all, kindness and caring lives here. And that’s worth celebrating in times likes these don’t you think?
Great post, Mary Jane. Your stories are great reminders for us all to be prepared for natural disasters. My thoughts and prayers for the families in Texas.
Thank you Linda!
Water, water almost every day. A thunderstorm is passing through as I type this message.
Water is really an issue. Some places have too much ; others have too little. Thank you for your comment!
Very good post. Such a tragedy in Texas and it does make you realize how vulnerable we all are
The Texas disaster is gut wrenching. Unfortunately it has made us more aware than ever that we cannot depend on our government to help in a disaster so we must prepare for ourselves.
Very good post and so timely
Celebrating kindness and caring is especially important at a time when natural disasters force us to work together
Very good point
So many good points in this post. We all have to be more prepared than we used to
We really do Sharon!
Good information. We all need a plan against disasters of all kinds. It’s not just somewhere else these days.
Isn’t that the truth Robin. Thank you for the comment!
This is a really good way to teach kids about what to do when disaster strikes.
I really appreciate the approach and the heart in this message. These are scary times and we all have to be aware
Isn’t that the truth Jim!
Every home and community should be asking the tough questions. No place is immune. Good post
I know this neighborhood will always help each other through any emergency. Feels good to have friends you can count on♥️
It really does. Thank you Susan!
Be grateful for every day but make a plan that we, hopefully, never need. Thank you for the reminder.
Thank you for pointing that out Elaine. Appreciate it!
A much needed reminder that no matter where we live we should pay attention to alerts and warnings and when disaster strikes we should be ready and willing to help in any way we can. An excellent post!
Thank you so much Joanne
Some people think children should be shielded from disaster but I believe it actually makes them feel safer. Today you just never know where a natural disaster will hit. Thanks for putting a “positive” spin on the subject!
Thank you Sharon!
Excellent presentation….scary
situation that needs serious information Texas disaster has made us all need immediate guidance . Thank u
I appreciate that Jane!
Thank you for including pets in the emergency plan. All too often they are forgotten.
Thank you also for highlighting how important it is for there to be enough notice when an extreme weather event is approaching.
Thank you Sheri for your comments!
Disasters like this make you pause and think about what truly matters.
Isn’t that the truth? Thank you
Important post. Are any of us really prepared for a natural disaster these days?
The situation in Texas is heartbreaking. Thank you for such a sensitive take on it
What a good way to use this town to cover a current event for kids