In an extraordinary display of resourcefulness, Benjamin Standish, a recent transplant from the North, found himself turning a simple outhouse into an unlikely tornado shelter. This remarkable tale unfolded in Bradley County, Tennessee, as news of tornado devastation in the northwest part of the state sent ripples through the region, and left at least 6 dead.
Unfamiliar with the tornado-prone nature of the South, Benjamin realized the imminent danger when he heard that a tornado was just 200 miles away. With characteristic pragmatism, he sprang into action, gathering his wife, Sarah, and three kids. The only available underground shelter on their off-grid property was the unassuming outhouse, a structure that had, until that moment, only served its traditional purpose.
Displaying quick thinking, Benjamin transformed the outhouse into an improvised tornado shelter. The Standish family descended into the pit, weathering the storm in close quarters and, admittedly, amidst less-than-ideal odors, where they sheltered for several hours before the tornado watch had been lifted by meteorological authorities. However, the makeshift shelter proved effective, and the family emerged unscathed as the tornado bypassed Bradley County.
Rather than seeking praise or adoration, Benjamin Standish remains humble, patting himself on the back for his unconventional yet effective shelter choice. The tale of the Bradley County Outhouse Shelter stands as a testament to one family’s resilience in the face of nature’s fury.
Not everyone is basking in the glow of this extraordinary tale. Sarah Standish, who endured the confined space alongside her husband and children, insists on some creature comforts as a reward for her bravery. Her top request? Indoor plumbing.
In response to Sarah’s appeal for an indoor bathroom, Benjamin, with a twinkle in his eye, gently reminds her of the effectiveness of the outhouse shelter. “Dear, that outhouse kept us safe from a tornado. It might not be luxurious, but it got the job done. Let’s not forget the beautiful pit that saved us all.” Whether Benjamin can find a compromise that satisfies both practicality and comfort remains to be seen, but his appeal to the effectiveness of their unconventional shelter might just carry some weight.
When asked for further comment, Sarah just stared blankly into space.
Stan Dirkson
