Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
James Bassham, Director
TEMA Headlines - Back
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.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service say the system will be capable of producing severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, tornadoes and golf-ball sized hail. See the Storm Prediction Center forecast here: http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html
Please check your weather radios to ensure you receive any warnings for your area tonight during the late evening and overnight hours.
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…)
July 14, 2011
State of Emergency ends for June storms
Governor Bill Haslam has terminated a state of emergency enacted to respond to the high winds, heavy rain and flooding in East Tennessee on June 18 through June 25, 2011. At this time, activities have become more administrative in nature.
This termination was achieved through a proclamation, signed by the Governor on July 8. Emergency personnel will continue to support recovery from the impact of the severe weather and flooding.
On Tuesday, the Governor asked President Barrack Obama to declare a major disaster for seven counties in Tennessee from the late June storms. Should this request for assistance be granted, Anderson, Claiborne, Grainger, Henderson, Knox, Loudon and Marion counties would have access to varying levels of federal assistance programs.
Under state law, a state of emergency exists for 60 days from its declaration, unless extended for another 60-day period or terminated by the Governor using a proclamation or executive order.
June 30, 2011
TEMA at Level IV Activation
The State Emergency Operations Center’s activation level moved from Level III to Level IV at noon, CDT, on June 30, 2010, to monitor the damage assessments occurring in East Tennessee, due to recent severe storms, and the recovery phases of the four Presidential Declared Disasters currently covering 64 Tennessee counties.
Information on the disaster recovery efforts can be found online on TEMA’s website and by disaster here: DR-1965, DR-1974, DR-1978 and DR-1979.
June 10, 2011
Disaster recovery continues in 64 Tennessee counties.
As of 12:00 p.m. CDST, Friday, June 10, the State Emergency Operations Center’s Activation Level will move to Level IV to monitor the recovery phases of the four Presidential Declared Disasters currently covering 64 Counties in Tennessee.
Information on those disaster recovery efforts can be found online on TEMA’s website and by disaster here: DR-1965, DR-1974, DR-1978 and DR-1979.
June 8, 2011
FEMA, Tennessee and SBA do not fund tornado shelters for individuals
Some misinformation about funding for safe rooms has been circulating in some Tennessee communities. It is possible that some of that misinformation has resulted from the fact that Alabama and Mississippi, which share media markets with Tennessee, have programs that pay part of the cost of safe rooms in homes using federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds.
The following describes State of Tennessee, Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Small Business Administration policies regarding safe rooms:
Tennessee: Although considered an eligible project under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, safe room project applications are not accepted by the State. The reason is simple: Tennessee has never received enough disaster funds to fairly disseminate the funds to all who would be interested. In order to have the greatest impact with limited funds, the state concentrates on community shelters or reinforced corridors in schools where it can provide a safe place for many people at one time.SBA: Disaster loans cannot be used to build safe rooms. The sole exception is when a previously existing safe room is being repaired or replaced.
FEMA: FEMA does not fund safe room construction under its Individuals and Households Program.
May 18, 2011
Disaster Assistance Information
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has declared 15 Tennessee counties – Bledsoe, Bradley, Cocke, Dyer, Greene, Johnson, Hamilton, Lake, McMinn, Monroe, Obion, Rhea, Shelby, Stewart and Washington – eligible for federal assistance to individuals and families who have suffered damage from the recent tornadoes, storms and flooding. Disaster assistance in these counties to date:
(more…)
Disaster Recovery Centers Open in West Tennessee
Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Dyer, Lake, Obion and Shelby counties to help individuals and businesses affected by the recent floods, tornadoes and severe storms. The centers are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., CDT, seven days a week until further notice at the following addresses: (more…)
May 16, 2011
Statewide status update
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 1:30 p.m., CDT, on Thursday, May 12, 2011.
(more…)
May 12, 2011
Statewide Status Update, May 12, @ 1030 hrs.
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 10:30 a.m., CDT on Thursday, May 12, 2011.
(more…)
May 11, 2011
Statewide status update
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 2:30 p.m., CDT on Wednesday, May 11, 2011.
(more…)
TDEC collecting flood water samples
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation collected flood water samples on May 5, and will continue to collect samples each week as the water recedes. (more…)
Statewide status update
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 11 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, May 11, 2011. (more…)
May 10, 2011
Statewide status update
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 6 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, May 10, 2011. (more…)
Statewide status update
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 12:30 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, May 10, 2011. (more…)
May 9, 2011
Statewide Status Update
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 4 p.m. CDT on Monday, May 9, 2011. (more…)
Shelby County & Memphis Flood Resources
Real time updates about the flood relief/recovery efforts and maps of areas anticipated to flood are posted at www.StaySafeShelby.us. (more…)
Statewide Status Update
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 10 a.m. CDT on Monday, May 9, 2011. (more…)
TNHousingSearch.org available as a tool for displaced individuals
To help these displaced residents find housing quickly, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency is urging all property providers to list available rental housing on the free, statewide housing locater service www.TNHousingSearch.org as soon as possible. The process of listing takes about 10 minutes and is completely free. (more…)
May 7, 2011
Statewide Status Update, May 7, @ 1030 hrs.
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 10:30 a.m. CDT on Saturday, May 7, 2011. (more…)
May 6, 2011
Statewide status update
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 4 p.m. CDT on Friday, May 6, 2011. (more…)
TEMA activated at Level II State of Emergency
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is at Level II State of Emergency activation, as of 2 p.m., CDT, on Friday, May 5, 2011, due to statewide emergencies and the cresting of the Mississippi River.
Statewide status update
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 10:30 a.m. CDT on Friday, May 6, 2011. (more…)
May 5, 2011
Avoid wildlife displaced by flood waters
Due to flooding in parts of Tennessee, especially in West Tennessee, many wild animals are concentrating on higher ground.
Residents should take special precaution to avoid risk of injury by approaching these wild animals, already under stress, as they are forced from their natural habitats by flood waters. (more…)
Statewide status update
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 9:30 a.m. CDT on Thursday, May 5, 2011. (more…)
May 4, 2011
Statewide status update, May 4, @ 2000 hrs.
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 8 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, May 4, 2011. (more…)
Flooding Causes Outages to TDOT SmartWay Cameras in Memphis Area
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation wants to alert the public of significant outages to the TDOT SmartWay camera system in the Memphis area due to flooding along the Mississippi River. Approximately 30 cameras on Interstates 40 and 55 are off-line at this time, with outages possibly lasting as long as three weeks. (more…)
Be Safe: Stay out of Floodwaters
The public is strongly encouraged to limit travel in flooded areas and use extreme caution. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Turn Around Don’t Drown! Currents in flood ravaged areas can be particularly strong, proving challenging for even the most skilled water rescue personnel. Trying to unclog storm water drains can pose a dangerous situation and is a potential drowning hazard. (more…)
Tornado, Flooding Victims Should Register with FEMA
Tennesseans affected by recent storms and flooding are urged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) immediately.
President Barack Obama has declared four Tennessee counties – Bradley, Greene, Hamilton and Washington – federal disasters and eligible for federal assistance. Persons in this area should immediately register with the FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
Persons in emergency situations should immediately call 9-1-1 or their local Emergency Management Agency.
May 3, 2011
State-wide status update, May 3, @ 1800 hrs.
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 6 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, May 3, 2011.
Statewide Status Update, May 3 @ 1200 hrs.
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 11:30 a.m. CDT. on Tuesday, May 3, 2011. (more…)
May 1, 2011
State-wide status update, May 1, @ 1400 hrs.
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 2:00 p.m. CDT. on Sunday, May 1, 2011. (more…)
April 30, 2011
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…)
April 29, 2011
State Emergency Operations Center changes hours of operation
The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) has temporarily changed hours of operation for Saturday and Sunday. The SEOC will be fully staffed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (more…)
State urges citizens to prepare in case of flooding
State and local officials are still monitoring the situation for potential flooding in West Tennessee. (more…)
Stewart County flooding risk remains
Stewart County is still at risk for potential flooding. (more…)
State-wide status update
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 10:00 a.m. CDT. (more…)
Dead Animal Disposal Advisory
As people begin to recover from the storms, emergency officials expect that a number of animal carcasses, including pets, wildlife and livestock, are likely to be found. People in affected areas should avoid contact with dead animals to protect their personal and public health and safety. (more…)
April 28, 2011
Notice to Vehicles Traveling South From Tennessee into Alabama
The situation in Alabama has returned to normal, as of May 6. (more…)
State-wide status report issued at 6 p.m. CDT
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 6 p.m. CDT. (more…)
Loose or Wandering Livestock Advisory
People in flooded or storm affected areas may come in contact with farm animals that were displaced. 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…)
Call 2-1-1 for Assistance or to Donate Goods, Services or Money to Help Your Communities
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster are partnering with the United Way organizations of Tennessee to provide 2-1-1 as a single source for disaster survivors to get assistance from local groups and non-profits, as well as coordinate volunteer efforts with local agencies. (more…)
State-wide status report
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 4 p.m. CDT. (more…)
State-wide status report issued
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 12 p.m. CDT. (more…)
Thirty-three Fatalities Confirmed in Tennessee
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has updated the confirmed 33 deaths in Tennessee from the storms and flooding on April 27, 2011. (more…)
April 27, 2011
State-wide status report issued
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville has issued a statewide status report. This information is current as of 4:30 p.m. CDT. Additional information will be posted Thursday morning.
(more…)
April 19, 2011
Federal Officials Call on Schools and Colleges to Participate in April Earthquake Drill
Today U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano called on K-12 schools and colleges and universities across the central U.S. – and throughout the country – to help their students, faculty, and communities prepare for earthquakes by participating in a public earthquake drill on Thursday, April 28, 2011. Eleven states in the New Madrid Seismic Zone are participating in the drill, the “Great Central U.S. ShakeOut,” which takes place at 10:15 am central time. Anyone can register to participate, whether at school, at work, or at home; to date, over two million Americans have signed up.
(more…)
April 12, 2011
Governor remarks on Opry Mills flood recovery effort
Governor Bill Haslam spoke at a press conference this morning where it was announced that Opry Mills expects to open in Spring 2012.
April 6, 2011
Tennessee ends state of emergency; TEMA resumes normal operations
At 1200, April 6th, The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency resumed normal operations and returned staff to regular duty status.
By returning to normal operations (Level 5), the state of emergency declared for the April 4, 2011 storms has been terminated.
April 4, 2011
One fatality confirmed in Shelby County
The State Emergency Operations Center has confirmed one fatality as a result of the storms on April 4, 2011. (more…)
TEMA at Level 3 State of Emergency
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has moved its activation to a level 3 and has declared state of emergency due to the severe weather moving across the state.
March 23, 2011
Tennessee Focused on Interoperability
Franklin, Tenn. — More than 300 first responders from state agencies and local government have come together as part of a two-day training conference on Interoperability. (more…)
March 14, 2011
Great Central Shakeout tops 1 million participants
More than one million people are now expected to participate in the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut to be held at 10:15 a.m. on April 28, 2011 — a regional earthquake drill where participants will simultaneously practice the recommended action during an earthquake, Drop, Cover and Hold-On:
• DROP to the ground
• Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
• HOLD-ON to it until the shaking stops
Across the State
Governor Bill Haslam
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