Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
James Bassham, Director
TEMA Headlines - Back
August 20, 2010
TEMA reminds Tennesseans about basics of flood cleanup
TEMA would like to urge everyone affected by the August flooding to take a look at these Best Practices for Taking Care of Your Family, Yourself and Your Home after a Flood. (more…)
August 19, 2010
TEMA activates Emergency Operations Center due to flooding
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville was partially activated with a Level 3 activation Thursday morning at 8 a.m. due to localized flooding and to conduct preliminary damage assessments in affected counties. The Cumberland River is expected to crest at 40-feet (flood stage) later today, according to the National Weather Service.
At Level 3 activation, there is a declared state of emergency. This declaration is in effect until the situation causing the emergency is concluded or 60 days from the initial has expired, unless renewed in writing by the Governor. (more…)
August 4, 2010
Precautions needed as heat index climbs
Tennesseans can avoid illnesses caused by extreme heat. (more…)
July 22, 2010
Testimony of James H. Bassham
Testimony of James H. Bassham
Director, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
before the
Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
Thursday, July 22, 2010
June 2, 2010
TEMA tallies state response activities to historic flooding
One month after an historic flood affected more than half of Tennessee and resulted in federal disaster declarations for 48 counties, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has tallied some of the state’s efforts to assist local governments and individual survivors. (more…)
May 20, 2010
Volunteers available to clean flood damaged homes
Residents in need of clean-up and rebuilding assistance are encouraged to dial 2-1-1 to receive FREE volunteer services. (more…)
May 19, 2010
Federal Disaster Assistance Approved for Four Tennessee Counties
Cannon, Giles and Marshall Approved for Individual and Public Assistance
Pickett Approved for Public Assistance
Four Tennessee counties have been approved for federal assistance as a result of extreme weather and flooding that struck the state April 30-May 2.
(more…)
May 18, 2010
Corporate and Individual Donations
The Tennessee Resource Staging and Distribution Center, 410 Harding Industrial Drive in Nashville, will take corporate and individual donations from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday. The Center is TEMA’s distribution point for all county distribution centers in Tennessee that need help. The Center requests that all donations be limited to NEW items only. No clothing will be accepted. For more information, contact the Tennessee Resource Staging and Distribution Center at 615-946-4747 or TNRSDC@gmail.com.
Volunteering
Anyone wanting to volunteer to assist with disaster relief should visit the website for Hands on Nashville at www.hon.org to register and search for volunteer opportunities. In the Middle Tennessee area, dial 211 to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Click for more information on resources for storm victims.
Legal Assistance for Flood Victims
A toll-free legal assistance line is available for victims of recent storms and flooding in the counties that have been designated as federal disaster areas. Victims facing legal issues may call (888) 395-9297. Victims who qualify for assistance will be matched with Tennessee lawyers who have volunteered to provide free legal help.
More info at http://www.tba.org/volunteer/.
Emergency Food and Cash Assistance Available to Eligible Low Income Flood Victims
The Tennessee Department of Human Services is working quickly to address some of the basic immediate needs of the low-income families and individuals affected by the devastating storms and floods that swept through Tennessee the weekend of April 30th. The programs include Emergency Food Stamps, Replacement Food Stamps and Emergency Cash Assistance. These programs begin Thursday, May 13, and will only be available for SEVEN days in counties that have received a presidential disaster declaration. Apply and learn more.
Click for more information on resources for storm victims.
Four Additional Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Tennessee
Four additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are open in Tennessee to provide assistance to people affected by the severe storms and flooding that started on April 30. This brings the total number of open DRCs in the state to 18. (more…)
May 15, 2010
State has concluded water missions, except to Davidson County
As of Saturday, the State has shipped a statewide total of nearly 3,500 pallets of water to flood affected counties. That equates to over 150 truck loads or about 1.6 million gallons of water. (more…)
May 14, 2010
Additional Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Middle Tennessee
An additional Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Middle Tennessee to provide assistance to people affected by the severe storms and flooding that started on April 30. This brings the total number of open DRCs to 10. (more…)
May 13, 2010
May 13, 2010, 6 p.m. Update
Fatalities:
There have been 24 confirmed fatalities, including an additional flood-related death confirmed on May 13, 2010, in Davidson County.
FEMA UPDATE:
• More than 28,500 Tennessee individuals and families have registered for FEMA assistance.
• More than $80 million in FEMA total Individual Assistance has been approved. This includes more than $72.9 million in housing assistance (e.g. rental assistance, home repair assistance) and more than $7.1 million in other needs (e.g. personal property).
• More than 16,219 inspections have been completed.
New Location for Corporate and Individual Donations
The Tennessee Resource Staging and Distribution Center, 410 Harding Industrial Drive in Nashville, will take corporate and individual donations from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 15. The Center is TEMA’s distribution point for all county distribution centers in Tennessee that need help. The Center requests that all donations be limited to NEW items only. No clothing will be accepted. A list of requested items is below. The Center will be open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday. For more information, contact the Tennessee Resource Staging and Distribution Center at 615-946-4747 or TNRSDC@gmail.com. (more…)
May 13, 2010, 10 a.m. Update
Fatalities: (more…)
Disaster Recovery Centers open in Tennessee
Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) operated by the state of Tennessee and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) are open to assist those affected by severe storms and flooding that started on April 30. (more…)
May 11, 2010
State-wide Status report, issued at 3 p.m. May 11, 2010
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a state-wide status report. (more…)
May 10, 2010
State-wide Status report, issued at 3 p.m. May 10, 2010
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a state-wide status report. (more…)
May 9, 2010
State-wide Status report, issued at 3 p.m. May 9, 2010
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a state-wide status report. (more…)
State-wide Status report, issued at 6 a.m. May 9, 2010
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a state-wide status report. (more…)
May 8, 2010
State-wide Status report, issued at 3 p.m. May 8, 2010
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a state-wide status report. (more…)
State-wide Status report, issued at 6 a.m. May 8, 2010
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a state-wide status report. (more…)
May 7, 2010
State-wide Status report, issued at 3 p.m. May 7, 2010
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a state-wide status report. (more…)
Video of Governor Phil Bredesen and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate
Governor Phil Bredesen and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate filmed a quick video update on Flood Response in Tennessee. (more…)
State-wide Status report, issued at 6 a.m. May 7, 2010
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a state-wide status report. (more…)
May 6, 2010
State-wide Status report, issued at 3 p.m. May 6, 2010
State-wide Status report, issued at 3 p.m. May 6, 2010 (more…)
Information on state licensing for contractors and a contact for prospective vendors
Persons or businesses interested in providing goods or services to the state should call (615) 741-1035 for bidder registration.
To be licensed in the state of Tennessee, please contact the Department of Commerce & Insurance by calling 1-800-342-4029. (more…)
Dead Animal Disposal Advisory
As floodwaters recede, emergency officials expect that a number of animal carcasses, including pets, wildlife and livestock, are likely to be found. People in flood affected areas should avoid contact with dead animals to protect their personal and public health and safety.
Services are being coordinated among various local and state agencies to see that carcasses are disposed of properly. Along state roads and highways, the Tennessee Department of Transportation will continue routine small animal and wildlife pick up and disposal services. (more…)
Loose or Wandering Livestock Advisory
People in flood affected areas may come in contact with farm animals that were displaced by rising waters. Loose or wandering livestock should be avoided for personal safety as animals may be distressed or become agitated. Loose or wandering livestock should be reported to local authorities such as the Sheriff’s Office or county emergency management agency. (more…)
State-wide Status report, issued at 6 a.m. May 6, 2010
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a state-wide status report. (more…)
May 5, 2010
State-wide Status report, issued at 3 p.m. May 5, 2010
State-wide Status report issued at 3 p.m. May 5, 2010 (more…)
Unsolicited Help Can Hurt
Know How to Provide Help That Makes a Positive Difference
Donated goods and volunteers that are not specifically needed in a disaster area can hurt more than help, sometimes causing what disaster officials call a “secondary” disaster. (more…)
State-wide Status report, issued at 6 a.m. May 5, 2010
State-wide Status report issued at 6 a.m. May 5, 2010 (more…)
May 4, 2010
Donation Hotline for Tennessee Flood Disaster Opens Wednesday
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) has activated the Tennessee Emergency Donations Hotline to accept contributions to support state flood victims. Volunteers will begin answering calls at 8 a.m. on Wed., May 5. The toll free number is (866) 586-4483, and the hotline will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT daily. (more…)
President Obama Authorizes Major Disaster Declaration for Four Tennessee Counties
Initial Authorization Made for Cheatham, Davidson, Hickman and Williamson
Additional Counties Expected to be Added in Coming Days (more…)
State-wide Status Report, Issued at 3 p.m. May 4, 2010
This information is current as of 1 p.m. CDT and will be updated later in the day. (more…)
Tips for cleaning up after flood waters recede from your area
What to do after a flood
In view of this weekend’s historic rains and flooding, coping appropriately with the aftermath of flood waters will be important.
Sources:
http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/return.shtm (more…)
State-wide status report, issued at 6 a.m. May 4, 2010
State-wide status report issued at 6 a.m. May 4, 2010 (more…)
May 3, 2010
State-wide status report, issued at 3 p.m.
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 3 p. m. CDT. (more…)
State Issues Water & Hygiene Safety Advisories
The State Emergency Operations Center has issued several safety warnings related to the flood waters. (more…)
State-wide status report, as of 6 a.m.
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a state-wide status report. (more…)
May 2, 2010
Information for State Employees on the Status of State Offices
The following message was sent to Commissioners regarding state employees and reporting to work. (more…)
State-wide status report issued at 3 p.m.
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a state-wide status report. This information is current as of 3 p.m. CST (more…)
Death toll revised down to seven
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has revised the total number of fatalities to seven due to flooding and severe weather. (more…)
Avoid unnecessary travel; road closures will be enforced
State Emergency officials are advising that travel is hazardous on many Interstate and highways due to flooding.
Local road and state highway closures are possible at any low-lying area. Drivers are urged to use extreme caution. Do not attempt to cross flooded roadways.
Motorists violating roadblocks or road closures are subject to citation by law enforcement.
Interstates close again due to flooding
Interstate have been closed in several location again by rising water.
Interstate 40 in Hickman County is closed in both directions. Traffic is being re-routed from Highway 50 to Highway 100 to Highway 13 and back onto I-40 at mile marker 143. (more…)
National Guard units activated to support rescue operations
TEMA has requested units of the Tennessee Army National Guard to support possible rescue operations today. The 1176th Transport Company and 212th Engineering Company will provide high-water vehicles and 79 guardsmen. (more…)
Update on May Day flooding, possible tornado touchdown
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville continues to monitor and respond to flooding and severe weather reports across the state.
Another band of severe weather is anticipated today, citizens are urged not to travel unless absolutely necessary today. If you must travel, please use extreme caution as roadways may be flooded and flash flooding continues to be a problem in some areas. (more…)
May 1, 2010
Five deaths confirmed in Tennessee from flooding, storms
The state emergency operations center in Nashville is confirming five fatalities in Tennessee as a result of the flooding and severe weather affecting the state. (more…)
State Emergency Operations Center activates to coordinate storm response
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville activated to Level 3 at 12:30 p.m. to coordinate resources requests from local government due to localized flooding. (more…)
Flash flooding happening in Tennessee
Tennessee is experiencing heavy rainfall along with severe weather conditions in Western and Middle Tennessee. Please stay tuned to your local stations or weather radios to receive current warnings for your area. (more…)
April 25, 2010
Storm spawns tornados; no deaths in Tennessee
The first major storm of the Spring caused wide-spread, minor damage in all three regions of Tennessee. There were no reported fatalities from the storm’s three reported tornado touchdowns. (more…)
April 24, 2010
Damage reports from severe weather
As of 5 p.m., the State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has received only one report of serious damage from the storm front.
In Decatur County, seven homes were reportedly damaged by winds on Brodies Landing Road near State Route 69 north of Parsons, Tennessee. (more…)
April 23, 2010
Severe weather ahead; TEMA urges preparedness
As the first major severe weather threat approaches Tennessee this weekend, TEMA would ask everyone to think about their own emergency preparedness. (more…)
April 20, 2010
Weather Channel airs report on earthquake threat to Tennessee
The Weather Channel’s Julie Martin reported a story today on the threat posed by the New Madrid Seismic Zone to Tennessee and our neighboring states. (more…)
April 15, 2010
Third Interoperability Exercise Held in Knoxville
In Knoxville on Tuesday, April 20-21, 2010, TEMA is holding the final exercise, in a statewide series, focusing on interoperable communications with 17 counties, 9 state departments and three federal agencies. (more…)
April 12, 2010
Governor extends state of emergency to include new rock slides
On Friday, April 9, 2010, Governor Phil Bredesen signed an proclamation renewing the existing state of emergency by 60 days, and expanding it to include Sevier and Blount Counties due to rock slides on U.S. Highways 441 and 129, respectively. (more…)
April 1, 2010
Fire Weather Warnings continue for Tennessee counties
The National Weather Service has continued its Fire Weather Watch through Thursday evening for several counties in East, Middle and West Tennessee. (more…)
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