By John Q. Hosedrinker 
As flash floods devastated the Texas Hill Country, the town of Comfort utilized its updated siren system, providing a crucial last-minute warning to residents, unlike neighboring Kerr County, which lacked such a system. The new system, including sirens, was activated for the first time during the devastating flood. While Comfort experienced no fatalities, Kerr County suffered a tragic loss of life, with many people washed away due to the rapidly rising waters. The lack of a siren system in Kerr County, partially due to cost concerns, has sparked renewed debate about the importance of effective warning systems and emergency preparedness in the face of climate change-induced extreme weather events.
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In deadly Texas floods, one town had what some didn’t: A wailing warning siren. This is a story that hits hard, particularly because it seems like a case of preventable tragedy. Imagine living in a place known as “Flash Flood Alley,” a region prone to devastating floods, and then choosing not to invest in a warning system. It’s almost unbelievable, but that’s precisely what some areas in Texas apparently did, and the results speak for themselves.
It’s truly frustrating to learn that some local officials in these vulnerable areas were resistant to installing sirens. Their concerns boiled down to the cost, which was estimated around $1 million for a system incorporating sensors and sirens. Some even complained about the potential for accidental activations, calling it a disturbance. However, the potential cost of inaction, the cost of human lives, far outweighs any financial or perceived inconvenience. It’s not just about the money; it’s about priorities.
Considering that revenue generated by a place like Camp Mystic is estimated at a significant amount annually, the $1 million investment seems like a drop in the bucket, especially when weighed against the potential lives saved. Some folks even went as far as to say that sirens aren’t needed, and that people should trust their cell phones, and that is frankly, an incredibly naive and dangerous attitude.
Relying solely on emergency alerts on cellphones in rural areas, or even during the night when phones might be off or unavailable, is a risky gamble. Many may ignore these alerts, especially in a world already saturated with notifications. Then, you add in the complication of cell service, and it’s clear that relying solely on a mobile phone alert is a recipe for disaster. When we learn of the tragedies of the real-life consequences, such as minimum of 105 deaths, it serves as a wake-up call.
Sadly, it also seems that the focus of some Texas officials appears to be on making excuses rather than finding solutions. It seems like the state has not evolved to address issues and improve safety measures, a fact that many Texans are ashamed of. The same mistakes that led to the need for greater safety measures in schools are still being made. It seems that rather than raise taxes even slightly to pay for a public good, some conservatives would rather see people die.
A prime example of shortsightedness is the decision to turn off streetlights in a rural community, saving a small amount of money at a cost of 90 lives. The price of warning sirens, in comparison, is often quite manageable, ranging from tens of thousands to a few million dollars. Yet, these kinds of decisions are not made. Some seem more concerned with “owning the libs” than protecting their constituents, a dangerous form of political theater.
It is baffling that some areas, including “Flash Flood Alley,” chose not to implement warning sirens, especially given the risks. The sad reality is that in many rural areas, good sense is often sacrificed for political maneuvering, or the perceived costs. In many areas, even when weather warnings are issued, they are simply ignored.
The warnings that went out from the National Weather Service were being ignored because key staff positions were vacant. You can’t put a value on planning for disasters, yet it seems this is exactly what they do. The failure to act is made all the more infuriating when you consider the availability of federal grants to assist with these safety measures.
The focus on the failure of infrastructure and preparation and the lack of concern for community needs speaks volumes. The cost of the sirens, is nothing compared to the cost of human lives and the lasting damage. They often opt to place the blame on others, rather than taking responsibility for their actions. This is especially apparent when you see the results, the minimum of 105 deaths.
It is a tragic illustration of priorities. You see examples of where funding was available and yet was turned down. Some of these communities are still using old dilapidated power grids, and have experienced many major flooding events. This is far from the first time they have failed the communities, and will likely not be the last time. The focus appears to be on churches, football, and political disagreements over safety. In their view, the focus should not be on saving lives but on politics and division.
In this instance, you can’t ignore the fact that the cost of saving lives is very small, compared to other expenses. The irony is that the money to pay for these improvements was available, but it was not used, and the lives of innocent people were the cost of that decision. It’s time for a change, and for all of us to consider whether the safety of our communities is a higher priority than politics.