If they have advanced warning, sure some people may be likely to come from the next town over to offer a hand. But the reality is little towns are full of old people. The younger people may or may not be the most patriotic, clean, outstanding citizens. Others, those with the ability to do something, are at their jobs working. I don't know where you are, but without advanced warning, your town would likely not be as brave as you think; especially considering it may be over before people realize what is happening. 100 people can tear up Main Street in a matter of minutes.
Still, it's worth remembering it was the old guy that said "get off my lawn". The first time will have the benefit of surprise, the second one five old geezers tired of this stuff and three blue hairs waiting to die, anyway, may just feel called to go to their glory.
