Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
James Bassham, Director
TEMA Headlines - Back
May 2, 2013
Approaching weather system may bring heavy rain and more flooding to Tennessee
The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at Level III – State of Emergency as a result of the severe weather system that brought heavy precipitation into middle Tennessee and parts of west and east Tennessee from April 26 to April 28, 2013.
Another rainy weather system will move into Tennessee on Friday, May 3, 2013. The National Weather Service says this system has the potential to bring heavy rains again to Tennessee, starting Friday and continuing into the weekend. The National Weather Service doesn’t expect rain amounts similar to last weekend’s system, but the wet ground and above normal river levels will make areas vulnerable to flooding.
The following is an update on the April 26 to April 28, storms, as of 3 p.m., CDT, on Thursday, May 2, 2013.
CURRENT SITUATION
• All life-safety measures have been met. No deaths reported.
• There are no requests for state assistance at this time.
• U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE) and Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) River Operations expect river levels to remain high for the next 10 days, even with no rain.
• ACOE and TVA releasing water to lower river storage pools and accommodate additional rain.
• ACOE monitoring levee conditions in Lake County, due to rain forecast for the Mississippi River.
COUNTY UPDATES
Stewart County – Local officials report 100 homes impacted (28 destroyed, 22 with major damage, and 36 with minor damage) with an estimated $2 million in road damage.Houston County – Damage assessments from local officials report five to 10 homes with minor flood damage. Houston County Middle School also received minor flood damage. County officials estimate about $800,000 in road damage, including three impacted bridges.
Henry County – Officials report five mobile homes destroyed with road damage estimated at $100,000.
Fayette County – One reported injury and a damaged rural church from a confirmed EF-1 tornado with 105 mph wind speeds on April 27.
Tennesseans are encouraged to monitor broadcast news and electronic media for the latest weather information.
News media can call TEMA at (615) 741-0482. More updates will be posted as they become available. Also, weather information, road conditions and shelter information is available on the ReadyTN smartphone application, available for Android phones, and on iPhone and iPad.
April 30, 2013
TEMA monitoring rivers; emergency declared for flooding
State Emergency Operations Center has gone to Level III activation, declaring a state of emergency, as of 0800 Hrs Central Time on Tuesday, April 30, 2013.
CURRENT SITUATION, as of April 30, 2013 – 0900 Hrs. CST
• All life-safety measures have been met. No deaths reported.
• There are no requests for state assistance at this time.
• Currently, river flooding has crested, however river levels remain elevated. (more…)
April 12, 2013
TEMA Winds Down Response to Monroe County Storm Damage
TEMA has issued this final situation report on the state’s response actions in East Tennessee to support Monroe County.
CURRENT SITUATION, as of 1500 Hrs. CST,
• All life safety measures have been met, the response phase has ended we have entered recovery phase.
• The State Emergency Operations Center will scale back to Level IV at 1800 Hrs. Friday. There are no further requests for state assistance at this time.
• Damaged structures in Monroe Co.:
Destroyed: 2 (both rental trailers)
Major: 5
Minor: 14
Affected: 14
April 11, 2013
Tennessee Declares State of Emergency for Storm Damage in Monroe Co.
The State of Tennessee has declared a State of Emergency, as of 9:25 p.m., CST, on Thursday, April 11, 2013, due to a possible tornado and report of damage in Madisonville.
The State Emergency Operations Center currently is activated to Level III. (more…)
March 25, 2013
State of Emergency Ends for Sevier County Wildfire
The State Emergency Operations Center returned to Level 5 – Normal activation at 2 p.m., CST on Friday, March 22, 2013. All life safety measures for the Sevier County wildfire have been met and there are no unmet needs.
March 21, 2013
National Weather Service Calls for Springtime Winter Storm
A Winter storm is expected to develop across portions of West Tennessee this afternoon and move into Middle Tennessee in the evening. The National Weather Service in Memphis says accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are possible with the heaviest snowfall expected around 4 p.m.
The best chance for precipitation will be over the western counties of Middle Tennessee Thursday night. On Friday, the entire Middle region has a chance of precipitation with the chances being greatest over the southern counties.
Significant amounts of snowfall can make travel dangerous. Stay tuned to television and radio news outlets for the latest weather updates. Also, download the ReadyTN smartphone application for the current information on weather and road conditions.
March 20, 2013
TEMA Update on Sevier County, TN Fire
The following is TEMA’s current situation report on the Sevier County, Tenn. fires. This information is current as of 11 a.m., CDT, on Wednesday, March 20, 2013.
CURRENT SITUATION
• The State Emergency Operations Center is remaining at a Level III-State of Emergency for continued monitoring of the situation.
• TN Division of Forestry has 17 personnel and five engines on the fire grounds in Sevier County to patrol, monitor and watch for hot spots and flare-ups.
• All other State personnel and resources have demobilized. The American Red Cross has closed the shelter at Pigeon Forge Community Center.
• The National Weather Service issued a fire weather advisory for East Tennessee today due to forecasted westerly winds of 15 to 20 m.p.h. and low humidity that will lead to dryer conditions.
• Forestry is also limiting or restricting burn permits in its East Tennessee District today. More information available at www.burnsafetn.org.
• The Fire Management Assistance Grant Declaration requested by TEMA was denied by FEMA due largely to the diminishing scale of the wildfire threat.
• A lightning fire and an arson fire occurred last night in Hancock County, Tenn. Fire crews have returned to the lightning fire this morning to put in containment lines. The arson fire is out.
PRIORITIES
• Support local government and state agencies in the firefighting effort.
• Capture and document response efforts and costs.
• Transition from response to recovery phase.
News media can call TEMA at (615) 741-0482. More updates on the fire will be posted as they become available. Also, weather information, road conditions and shelter information is available on the ReadyTN smartphone app, available for Android phones, and on iPhone and iPad.
Weather Conditions Contribute to Increased Fire Danger in East Tennessee
The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts early sunshine and breezy westerly winds will dry out fuel moisture over East Tennessee.
This will create an increased fire danger through sunset as low afternoon relative humidity falls into the 20 to 30 percent range. The NWS expects westerly winds of 15 to 20 m.p.h. with higher gusts in the highest terrain this afternoon.
Residents of East Tennessee are discouraged from burning this afternoon due to this increase potential for fire growth and spread.
Click for the NWS fire weather planning forecast for East Tennessee.
March 19, 2013
TEMA Update on Sevier County, TN Fire
The following is TEMA’s current situation report on the Sevier County, Tenn. fires. This information is current as of 4 p.m., CDT, on Tuesday, March 19, 2013.
• Though there are no unmet needs at this time for the fire response in Sevier County, the State Emergency Operations Center will remain at a Level III-State of Emergency for continued monitoring of the situation and to support local government efforts.
• Fire crews will continue to watch the fire’s perimeter, digging and burying any materials still burning or smoldering, watching for hot spots and flare ups, and removing burned trees that could fall and cause injuries.
• Weather forecast for tonight says slight chance of showers with lows around 20 degrees.
• The Pigeon Forge Command Post has closed for the evening.
• The American Red Cross shelter at the Pigeon Forge Community Center has closed.
• The TN Division of Forestry anticipates pulling teams out this evening and returning tomorrow morning.
• All TN Highway Patrol strike teams have demobilized.
• All four (4) TN National Guard helicopters have demobilized.
• The Fire Management Assistance Grant Declaration requested by TEMA was denied by FEMA due largely to the diminishing scale of the wildfire threat.
News media can call TEMA at (615) 741-0482. More updates on the fire will be posted as they become available. Also, weather information, road conditions and shelter information is available on the ReadyTN smartphone app, available for Android phones, and on iPhone and iPad.
TEMA Status Update on the Sevier County, TN Fire
The following is TEMA’s current situation report on the Sevier County, Tenn. fires. This information is current as of 11 a.m., CDT, on Tuesday, March 19, 2013.
CURRENT SITUATION
The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated to a Level III-State of Emergency.
• Rain and cooler temperatures have brought relief to the fire in Sevier County, resulting in a reduced threat of blazes and flare ups.
• The fire fight is not over, yet, as fire crews today will be monitoring the fire’s perimeter, digging and burying any materials still burning or smoldering, watching for hot spots and flare ups, and removing burned trees that could fall and cause injuries.
• The fire has impacted 65 homes – 59 destroyed and 6 damaged – and covers approximately 161 acres.
• About 150 people have been evacuated from the area.
• The Tennessee National Guard has demobilized its four helicopters used for reconnaissance and water drops.
• THP has also demobilized its strike team and personnel from the area.
• There are no unmet needs at this time, according to the local responding agencies.
• At one point more than 50 local and state agencies, and 200 personnel were involved in the fire response.
• Weather forecast for the area says a cold front will keep temperatures in the mid-forties, with lower humidity today, and a slight chance of showers tonight with lows around 20 degrees.
• The wildfire began and spread rapidly around 4:20 p.m., EDST, on Sunday, March 17, 2013, at the Black Bear Ridge Resort in the Wears Valley area of Sevier County.
• TEMA activated to a Level III- State of Emergency at 7 a.m., CDST, on Monday, March 18, 2013.
CONFIRMED FATALITIES & INJURIES (By County)
• Two (2) minor injuries reported, but not transported to hospitals.
• No reports of fatalities.
SHELTER INFO
• One (1) shelter remains open at the Pigeon Forge Community Center.
• Hotels in the area are still letting evacuees stay for free.
RESPONSE ACTIVITIES
• TEMA submitted the request for Fire Management Grant to FEMA on 3/18/13. FEMA has denied the request.
• Incident Command Post open today at Wears Valley Road.
• Tennessee Division of Forestry keeping 50 personnel, six fire engines and eight tenders at the scene.
PRIORITIES
• Support local government and state agencies in the firefighting effort.
• Capture and document response efforts and costs.
• Evaluate criteria to transition from response to recovery phase.
News media can call TEMA at (615) 741-0482. More updates on the fire will be posted as they become available. Also, weather information, road conditions and shelter information is available on the ReadyTN smartphone app, available for Android phones, and on iPhone and iPad.
March 18, 2013
TEMA Status Report on the Sevier County, TN Fires
The following is TEMA’s current situation report on the Sevier County, Tenn. fires. This information is current as of 1 p.m., CDT, on Monday, March 18, 2013.
CURRENT SITUATION
The State Emergency Operations Center is activated to a Level III-State of Emergency, as of 7 a.m., CDST, on Monday, March 18, 2013.
• A wildfire began and spread rapidly around 4:20 p.m., EDST, on Sunday, March 17, 2013, at the Black Bear Ridge Resort in the Wears Valley area of Sevier County.
• The fire has damaged or destroyed about 58 buildings and covers approximately 161 acres.
• The fire was contained until around 1 p.m. EDST, but has breached containment and is now threatening 15 to 20 homes in the Priscilla Heights area, and threatens the Pine Crest and Pine Ridge areas.
• About 150 people have been evacuated from the area. More evacuations are underway with the fire containment breach.
• With the dry and very windy conditions, the potential exists for the fire to jump a ridgeline and threaten Pigeon Forge.
• The wind speed in the area is expected to be 24 mph around 3 p.m., EDST, and could go higher, which may ground air assets.
• Propane tank explosions are also a hazardous materials concern.
• A storm front is moving across Tennessee and is expected to bring an inch of rain to the East TN area by Tuesday morning.
CONFIRMED FATALITIES & INJURIES (By County)
• No reports of injuries or fatalities currently
SHELTER INFO
• One (1) shelter open at the Pigeon Forge Community Center. Currently no occupants.
• Many hotels in the area are letting evacuees stay for free.
RESPONSE ACTIVITIES
• Sevier County has activated its Wildland Fire Group.
• 25 fire departments responding, including Jefferson, Cocke, Blount and Anderson Counties and the cities of Wallace Creek, Wares Valley, Sevierville and Oak Ridge.
• Tennessee Division of Forestry coordinating fire response and personnel.
• TEMA has deployed East TN Regional Director Bill Worth and four Area Coordinators to the scene to assist local emergency responders with requests for resources.
• Tennessee National Guard deployed four helicopters to the area for reconnaissance and water drops.
• Tennessee Highway Patrol strike team re-deployed strike team to assist with local response.
• Sevier County has taken over road closures.
• Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance deployed Incident Management Team.
• American Red Cross has deployed an emergency relief vehicle at the scene to help with emergency needs.
News media can call TEMA at (615) 741-0482. More updates on the fire will be posted as they become available. Also, weather information, road conditions and shelter information is available on the ReadyTN smartphone app, available for Android phones, and on iPhone and iPad.
Tennessee Declares State of Emergency due to East Tennessee Fires
The State Emergency Operations Center is activated to Level 3 -State of Emergency as of 7 a.m., CDT, on Monday, March 18, 2013 in support of the fires in Sevier County.
The fire in Sevier County, which began around 4:20 p.m., EDT, Sunday afternoon, has damaged or destroyed 35 structures and covers more than 130 acres.
There are no reports of fatalities or injuries at this time. However, about 150 people have been evacuated from the area and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
Sevier County declared a State of Emergency for the county Sunday and is working with numerous local fire departments and state agencies to contain the fire.
Additional updates will be posted as more information becomes available. News media may call the TEMA media line at 615-741-0482.
February 1, 2013
State of Emergency Ends for Tornadoes, Straight-line winds and Flooding
Tennessee has ended the State of Emergency that began Jan. 30, 2013, when a severe weather system caused tornadoes, damaging winds and flooding across the state.
Emergency officials have addressed all life safety issues and fulfilled county requests for assistance, and there are no current unmet needs.
Because state emergency personnel are still assisting local counties and communities with storm-damage assessments, the state emergency operations center has set its activation at Level 4-Elevated, as of noon on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013.
Under state law, a state of emergency exists for 60 days from its declaration, unless extended for another 60-day period or terminated.
Status Report on Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds & Flooding
CURRENT SITUATION
• State Emergency Operations Center remains at Level-3 and a State of Emergency is in effect.
• Snow fell across portions of Tennessee on Thursday, Jan. 31, and one county (Sumner) reported icing impacting road conditions.
• Impacted counties continue to survey storm damage
• The National Weather Service has confirmed 12 tornado touchdowns. NWS may combine tornado tracks so the number may change. (more…)
January 31, 2013
Status Report on Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds & Flooding
CURRENT SITUATION
• State Emergency Operations Center remains at Level-3 and a State of Emergency is in effect.
• Impacted counties continue to survey storm damage
• The storm system has moved out of Tennessee leaving behind a mass of cold air and some rain showers. As a result of the system, flooding reports are coming in from Blount, Claiborne, Cocke, Greene, Henderson, Jefferson (schools closed), McMinn and Sevier counties. (more…)
January 30, 2013
Status Report on Tornadoes & Straight-line Winds
Tennessee has experienced wide-spread damage from tornadoes and straight-line winds overnight and this morning.
TEMA activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 3 this morning at 10 a.m. and a State of Emergency is now in effect for the state.
CURRENT SITUATION
This information is current as of 11:30 a.m. Central Time on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013. (more…)
State of Emergency Declared for Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds
Tennessee has experienced wide-spread damage from tornadoes and straight-line winds overnight and this morning.
The state’s Emergency Operations Center activated to Level 3 this morning at 10 a.m. and a State of Emergency is now in effect for the state.
Local governments and state personnel are currently conducting preliminary damage assessments and will continue to do so throughout the day. The state is responding to requests from local governments for emergency resources, such as tarps or debris clearance.
Currently, there is one confirmed fatality in Davidson County.
TEMA anticipates issuing a status report shortly with updated information on the current situation.
January 29, 2013
Severe Storms Expected Tonight, Tomorrow Across Tennessee
Tennessee’s State Emergency Operations Center currently stands at a Level-4 Elevated activation level due to an approaching severe weather system.
The National Weather Service predicts the system will bring heavy rains, damaging winds and possibly tornadoes to the state.
The storm system will move into West Tennessee Tuesday evening, through Middle Tennessee overnight and approach East Tennessee Wednesday morning.
Stay tuned to local news media and weather service radios to monitor the movement of this system and to know when severe weather is possible for your area.
Also, download the ReadyTN smartphone application to receive weather information and road conditions directly to your Android phone, iPhone or iPad.
January 26, 2013
State of Emergency Ends for Ice Storm
Tennessee has terminated a state of emergency enacted on Jan. 25 to respond to the winter storms in Middle and East Tennessee. (more…)
January 25, 2013
Situational Update – Icy Conditions & Hazardous Roads
Due to ice and wrecks, TEMA has gone to a level 3 activation and a state of emergency is in effect as of 9 a.m. this morning.
Current situations:
The TDOT smartway system reports 6 roadway incidents and 69 ice/snow covered highways and 2 extremely hazardous highways.I-24 Multiple wrecks (approx. 20) in Montgomery Co., one lane is now open. Road is a sheet of ice, according to Tennessee Highway Patrol. Kentucky has been alerted to warn drivers heading south about the icy conditions.
On I-40 in Knoxville, there is heavy freezing rain now.
The Tennessee Departments of Safety and Transportation are working with county first responders to clear wrecks and check on motorists.
For highway emergencies, motorists should call *THP (*847) via mobile phone to be connected to the Tennessee Highway Patrol Headquarters nearest their location.
Icing is moving in to East Tennessee and this morning’s weather forecasts increased the ice accumulations to up to .50-inches. Icy conditions will be prevalent in the higher elevations and on the Cumberland Plateau.
There are currently seven (7) emergency shelters open in parts of East TN. There is no one in those shelters yet.
Safety Message:
In the event of a power outages, people should use caution when running portable generators to avoid any buildup of deadly carbon monoxide inside structures. Never run a generator inside your home.
Tennessee Declares State of Emergency due to Freezing Rain and Ice
The State of Tennessee has declared a State of Emergency, as of 9 a.m., CST, on Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, due to freezing rain and icy conditions in East Tennessee.
The State Emergency Operations Center currently is activated to Level III. (more…)
January 22, 2013
State Ends Emergency for Winter Storms
Tennessee has terminated a state of emergency enacted on Jan. 15 to respond to the winter storms and flooding of Jan. 15 to Jan. 22, 2013. (more…)
January 17, 2013
Winter storm impacts in East Tennessee
A fast-moving winter storm system impacted the East and Upper East areas of Tennessee on Tuesday, Jan. 17, in afternoon and evening hours, dumping 1” to 4” of snow in the lower elevations of the area and 8” and greater in the higher elevations.
The snowfall has impacted traffic on Interstates, State Routes and secondary roads from Knoxville to the Tri-Cities.
This area of Tennessee already had flooding issues from a weather system that began moving across the state earlier in the week. Some areas had freezing rain before the snow started falling.
Traffic accidents and power outages are primary concerns of emergency response efforts.
There are no reports of injuries or fatalities, and the American Red Cross has shelters on standby if needed.
ROAD ISSUES
- No reports of stranded motorists.
- I-28, I-81 and numerous State Routes received heavy snowfall, with many counties reporting wrecks and abandoned vehicles.
The Tennessee Departments of Safety and Transportation are working with county first responders to clear wrecks and check on motorists.
For highway emergencies, motorists should call *THP (*847) via mobile phone to be connected to the Tennessee Highway Patrol Headquarters nearest their location.
POWER OUTAGES
81,098 total customers without power
- 20,467- Knoxville Area
- 10,000 – Johnson City Area
- 12,522 – Sevier County
- 5,000 – Mountain City Area
- 28,000 – Appalachian Electric*
- 1,000 – Chattanooga Area
- 1,200 – Bristol, TN
- 2,000 – Elizabethton
- 900 – Bristol, VA* Appalachian Electric serves customers in Tennessee and Virginia.
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville, TN, remains at Level III and a state of emergency was declared on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, due to freezing rain and ice impacting West and Middle TN, and flooding conditions in East Tennessee.
January 15, 2013
Tennessee Declares State of Emergency due to Ice and Flooding.
The State of Tennessee has declared a State of Emergency, as of 4 p.m., CST, on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, due to freezing rain and icy conditions in West and Middle Tennessee, and because of the possibility of severe flooding in East Tennessee from the rainfall that continues to move across the state.
The State Emergency Operations Center currently is activated to Level III. The National Weather Service has Ice Storm Warnings currently in effect for West and Middle Tennessee, and Flood Warnings in effect for portions of East Tennessee. (more…)
November 29, 2012
Drop, Cover and Hold On Feb. 7 for the 2013 Great ShakeOut
The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut earthquake drill will be at 10:15 a.m., CST, on Feb. 7, 2013. This will be an opportunity for individuals at home, at work and at school to practice the Drop, Cover and Hold On technique, the recommended procedure for what to do during an earthquake. (more…)
November 27, 2012
Timeline for bomb threats
TEMA is providing an excerpted timeline on activities for Tuesday’s bomb threats in Tennessee.
All times are listed in Central Time. Times are as information was reported to TEMA Operations Center in Nashville and may not reflect the actual time of the event listed.
Tuesday, Nov. 27
1015 Bledsoe County EMA reported a bomb threat to its County Courthouse.
1017 Decatur County EMA reported a bomb threat to its County Courthouse.
1020 Crockettt County EMA reported bomb threat to Courthouse.
1024 Cheatham County EMA reported bomb threat to Courthouse.
1025 Dept. of Safety (THP) and State Fusion Center notified of bomb threats.
1033 TEMA Director Bassham notified. (more…)
Bomb threats made in counties in Tennessee
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is monitoring a series of bomb threats that have been made across the state. (more…)
November 10, 2012
Kentucky earthquake felt in Tennessee; No Damage Reported
There was a 4.3 magnitude earthquake today near Whitesburg, Kentucky. Did you feel it? Go to the U.S. Geological Survey link and let them know where you felt it.
At this time, there are not reports of damage in Tennessee or Kentucky from the earthquake.
August 29, 2012
SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center Closing for Labor Day; Center to Remain Open Until September 6
Tennessee residents and businesses affected by the severe storms, flooding and heavy rain on August 5-6, now have additional time to get one-on-one assistance in applying for SBA disaster Assistance at the Center located in Washington County. (more…)
August 11, 2012
State Activation at Level IV State of Emergency
The State Emergency Operations Center downgraded to Level IV activation today because no life safety issues remain in Upper East Tennessee from the Aug. 5, 2012, storms and flash flooding or from the subsequent severe weather in the area. A State of Emergency remains in place due to Federal Emergency Management Agency teams doing damage assessments in a number of Upper East Tennessee counties. (more…)
August 7, 2012
State Status Report on Upper East Tennessee Flooding
Current as of 3:30 p.m. CDT, on Aug. 7, 2012
CURRENT SITUATION
A State of Emergency remains in effect as a result of the heavy rainfall and flooding in Northeast Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2012. The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) remains at Level III Activation.
(more…)
August 6, 2012
State issues flooding status report
Tennessee Status Report – Current as of noon, Aug. 6, 2012
Situation Summary:
The State of Tennessee has declared a State of Emergency due to heavy rainfall and flooding in Northeast Tennessee. The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) was activated at a Level III on August 6, 2012 at 0600 CST to respond to the significant flooding. The National Weather Service radar indicated as much as 6 inches of rain fell overnight and more rain is expected today. Most of East Tennessee remains under a current flood watch until approx. 7 p.m. EST.
No fatalities have been reported. (more…)
Flooding prompts emergency declaration
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville was activated this morning at 6 a.m. CST in response to reports of damage due to flash flooding in Carter, Sullivan, Washington and Unicoi Counties. The National Weather Service radar indicated that as much as 3 to 6 inches of rain fell in some areas. (more…)
July 9, 2012
Earthquake Drill Will Test State & Local Response to Catastrophic Event
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State and local emergency agencies will hold a large-scale drill on July 9, 10 and 11, 2012, to exercise how they would respond should a catastrophic earthquake again cause devastation in Tennessee. (more…)
June 20, 2012
Best Practices in Emergency Communications to be Focus of State’s 4th Interoperability Conference
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The lead emergency official for the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, OK, will address Tennessee’s 2012 Interoperability Conference, where 250 state and local officials will share emergency communications best practices.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and Williamson County Emergency Communications are sponsoring the conference, now in its fourth year, Thursday, June 21, and Friday, June 22, 2012, at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs, 700 Cool Springs Blvd., in Franklin, TN. (more…)
April 5, 2012
Memphis Hosts National Earthquake Conference
Event will showcase lessons from earthquakes past for future risk reduction
Memphis, Tenn. – As 2012 marks the bicentennial of a series of strong earthquakes that struck the New Madrid seismic zone in late 1811 and early 1812, earthquake experts and emergency managers from around the U.S. will gather in Memphis for the National Earthquake Conference (NEC), April 10 to April 13 at the Peabody Hotel. (more…)
March 23, 2012
State of Emergency ends for Leap Year tornadoes
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has terminated a state of emergency enacted to respond to the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding of Feb. 29 to March 2, 2012. (more…)
March 21, 2012
Resources for Storm Recovery
Federal and State assistance efforts are ongoing in disaster affected counties, but individuals can move their recovery forward by being proactive.
Please use this TN.Gov disaster recovery web page as a guide to help you find resources on the following topics: (more…)
Beware of disaster scams during recovery
Residents in the Tennessee counties affected by recent storms and flooding are urged to be careful of scams during recovery efforts. (more…)
March 4, 2012
Final status update on Leap Year Tornadoes
At this time, emergency operations around the state have stabilized enough that TEMA will cease publishing twice daily status updates. Updates will only be posted when necessary or conditions have changed sufficiently to warrant more regular updates. (more…)
03/04/12 Update: Tennessee Leap Year Tornadoes
OVERALL SITUATION
New Information in BoldTennessee experienced two, significant waves of severe weather outbreaks on Friday, March 2, 2012. (more…)
March 3, 2012
Update: Tennessee Leap Year Tornadoes
February 29-March 3, 2012
MIDDLE & EAST TENNESSEE – MULTIPLE COUNTIESOVERALL SITUATION
New Information in Bold — This will be the final update for March 3.
Tennessee experienced two, significant waves of severe weather outbreaks on Friday, March 2, 2012. (more…)
Tennessee Leap Year Tornadoes
February 29-March 3, 2012
MIDDLE & EAST TENNESSEE – MULTIPLE COUNTIES
OVERALL SITUATION
Tennessee experienced two, significant waves of severe weather outbreaks on Friday, March 2, 2012. (more…)
March 2, 2012
Update on 3/2/12 Tornado Outbreak
Current Situation Report, as of 7 p.m.
March 2, 2012
The State Emergency Operations Center remains at Level 3 and the state of emergency continues due to severe weather across much of Tennessee.
A total of 75 tornado warnings were issued between 0925 and 1900 hrs. (more…)
Update on 3/2/12 Tornado Outbreak
Current Situation Report, as of 3 p.m.
The State Emergency Operations Center remains at Level 3 and the state of emergency continues due to severe weather across much of Tennessee. (more…)
March 1, 2012
Update on 2/29/12 Tornado Outbreak
A State of Emergency remains in place in Tennessee due to the severe weather of Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, and the expectation of further storms crossing the state on Friday.
The following is the Current Situation Report as of 5 p.m., CST, on Thursday, March 1, 2012. (more…)
State Emergency Operations Center activates; State of Emergency declared in Tennessee
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville moved to a Level 3 activation on Thursday morning at 6 a.m. CST due to severe weather impacts in the state. (more…)
February 29, 2012
Severe weather expected this week; are you a Ready TN user yet?
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency launched Ready TN, an internally developed smartphone application, to give real-time community-level situational information before, during and after emergencies. The Ready TN app became available on Feb. 1 in the Android Market and it has nearly 7,000 active users in its first month. (more…)
February 6, 2012
Reminder … Signup for the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut earthquake drill today!
The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut earthquake drill will be at 10:15 a.m., CST, on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012. This will be an opportunity for individuals at home, at work and at school to practice the Drop, Cover and Hold On technique, the recommended procedure for what to do during an earthquake. (more…)
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) hopes these earthquake safety series of videos tips helps you prepare during Tennessee’s Earthquake Preparedness Week. (more…)
Governor Haslam proclaims 2012 Earthquake Awareness Week
January 22, 2012
Severe weather possible across the state
Residents should prepare for severe weather predicted to move through the state today and continuing through the night. (more…)
January 10, 2012
Drop, Cover and Hold On Feb. 7 for the 2012 Great ShakeOut
The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut earthquake drill will be at 10:15 a.m., CST, on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012. This will be an opportunity for individuals at home, at work and at school to practice the Drop, Cover and Hold On technique, the recommended procedure for what to do during an earthquake.
The ShakeOut will be held across Tennessee and is open to anyone willing to participate. More than 1,000,000 people have registered to participate so far.
The goal of the ShakeOut is to provide a sense of urgency about earthquakes, encourage participates to get prepared and practice what to do to be safe.
The ShakeOut also coincides with the 200th anniversary of the 1811-12 New Madrid earthquakes that created Reelfoot Lake in northwest Tennessee and destroyed the town of New Madrid, Missouri. Were these earthquakes to happen today, there would be widespread damage and disruption.
Individuals, families, schools, families, organizations and businesses can register for the ShakeOut at www.ShakeOut.org/centralus/register.
December 28, 2011
In 2012, Resolve To Be Ready In Tennessee
As 2011 – one of the most active years for disasters in recent history – comes to a close and Americans get ready to ring in a new year, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency are encouraging people to Resolve to be Ready in the new year by making a resolution to be prepared for emergencies.
“Every family, community and state are susceptible to disasters,” said TEMA Director Jim Bassham. “The most effective way to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones is for everyone to take preparedness as an individual responsibility.”
Tennessee had five presidentially declared disasters for severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in 2011.
FEMA has launched its annual campaign, Resolve to be Ready in 2012. The campaign urges Americans to make preparedness a priority during the holiday season by making a new year’s resolution to be ready for disasters.
“One of the most important lessons we can take away from this year is that disasters can impact all of us, no matter what part of the country we live in,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Phil May. “Resolving to be Ready in 2012 could be the most important pledge you make this year.”
By making a resolution to take a few simple steps in advance, Tennesseans can minimize the impact of an emergency on their families, homes or businesses. To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/resolve or www.listo.gov, which includes free information, checklists, and guidelines about how to put together a kit, make a plan, and stay informed. For information on Tennessee, visit www.tnema.org.
Resolve to be Ready in 2012 is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses, and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the New Year. This effort is led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council. For more information, visit Ready.gov and CitizenCorps.gov or follow the campaign on Twitter using the hashtags #ready2012 and #resolve.
December 21, 2011
The Historic Tornadoes of April 2011
National Weather Service calls 2011 the second deadliest year on record for tornadoes
An assessment from the April 27 tornado outbreak was recently completed and is now available to the public. The assessment team traveled to the impacted areas to interview weather service staff, emergency managers, the media, other government agency personnel and the public.
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/assessments/pdfs/historic_tornadoes.pdf
During a 4-day period from April 25-28, 2011, more than 200 tornadoes occurred in five southeastern states. The deadliest part of the outbreak was the afternoon and evening of April 27, when a total of 122 tornadoes resulted in 313 deaths across central and northern Mississippi, central and northern Alabama, eastern Tennessee, southwestern Virginia, and northern Georgia. Three additional lives were claimed by tornadoes in the pre-dawn hours of April 27 bringing the daily total to 316.
There were 15 violent (Enhanced Fujita Scale 4 or 5) tornadoes reported. Eight of the tornadoes had paths lengths in excess of 50 miles. Two of the tornadoes – one in northern Alabama and another that struck the Tuscaloosa and Birmingham areas in Alabama – each claimed more than 60 lives.
In addition to the death toll, more than 2,400 people were injured and the area experienced more than $4.2 billion in property loss.
December 16, 2011
200th Annivesary of major earthquake in New Madrid Seismic Zone
December 16, 2011 – Two hundred years ago today, a major earthquake struck the New Madrid Seismic Zone. (more…)
October 19, 2011
Tennessee Hospitals participate in mass casualty training
Ten hospitals from East Tennessee recently participated in training for a mass casualty incident at FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Ala.
October 13, 2011
National EAS Test Public Service Announcement from TEMA & TAB
On November 9th at 2:00 PM Eastern, Tennessee will participate in a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System.
It will be heard on the radio and seen on local, cable, and satellite TV.
This test will last for approximately three minutes.
The National EAS is a public alert and warning system that enables the President to address the American public during emergencies.
The test will serve as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and a plan.
This message brought to you by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters and this station.
October 10, 2011
Emergency Management Conference – 2011
TEMA is participating in the Emergency Management Association of Tennessee (EMAT) training conference in Rutherford County. The three-day training event will featuring speakers, such as Chief Billy J. Rhoads, Fire Chief & Dir. of Emergency Services in Fort Hood, Texas, with lessons learned from the Ft. Hood shooting., and feedback from the 2011 disasters in Tennessee.
The conference will also conclude with a regional response tabletop exercise involving all participants.
You can follow along on Twitter by using the #EMAT hashtag. TEMA is also posting pictures and information on Facebook for TEMA and EMAT.
July 26, 2011
TEMA joins discussions at upcoming emergency management forums
Representatives of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency will be attending two upcoming forums on emergency management. (more…)
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