01/14/2022
Office of Emergency Management and Nashville Fire Department urges you to plan now for weekend winter weather
Metro Nashville-Davidson County is forecast to experience rain, snow and freezing temperatures.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 14, 2022) –Davidson County is bracing for another round of winter weather over the weekend.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Strom Watch effective from Saturday Evening through Sunday Afternoon.
A Winter Storm Warning indicates that heavy snow of at least 6 inches in 12 hours, or at least 8 inches in 24 hours, is expected. It can also be issued if sleet accumulation will be at least half an inch.
For Davidson County heavy wet snow possible with total snow accumulations of 3 to 7 inches.
It is important you take precautions during this weather event both at home and when traveling along roadways.
For important safety information and weather updates sign up for the Metro Emergency Alert & Notification System. (MEANS) It is free to download.
Please Note Metro Nashville Davidson County Department Government Offices and COVID-19 Testing/Vaccinations by Meharry Medical College are closed Monday in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.
Preparing for Winter Weather
Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing.
Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication.
Remember the needs of your pets.
Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
If you are unable to afford your heating costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.
Heating Safety:
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
Never use your oven to heat your home.
Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.
Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
Portable Generator Safety:
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust by operating your generator outside for proper ventilation.
Never refuel your generator when it is running. Let it cool down first.
Do not store fuel in a garage, basement or inside your home. Vapors can be released that can cause illness and are a potential fire hazard.
Install a carbon monoxide detector inside your home to warn you in case of a gas leak.
Never hook up a generator directly to your home's electrical service or wiring. This can cause back feeding and poses a serious risk to NES line workers.
Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
Driving Safety:
You should be careful when traveling on roadways. Freezing rain, sleet, black ice, and fog are all hazards to be aware of when driving.
You can check current road conditions online on the TDOT Smartway Map.
If weather reports indicate icy conditions, consider staying off the roads until they are clear.
Black ice is highly transparent, so it is hard to see while driving.
Tips that may help if you get caught in areas of black ice:
Keep your steering wheel straight. If you turn the wheel, you have a better chance of sliding and losing control of your vehicle.
Do not brake. Braking causes the vehicle to slide, especially if you brake too hard.
Take your foot off the accelerator to reduce speed. It is best to let the car stop on its own if you have enough room in front of you.
Protect your Pets:
Bring your furry friends inside when temperatures take a dip! More pet prep tips: www.ready.gov/pets
Wipe dog’s paws after each trip outside. Ice-melting chemicals or rock salt can cause irritation, sickness or be fatal.
Your pet may think antifreeze is sweet, but it can be deadly. Find out more: www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/antifreeze.html
Prepare now for lost power:
can cause power outages prepare now: www.ready.gov/power-outages
Make a plan to check on neighbors if extreme cold or winter weather knocks out your power.
Power Outage tip: Dim the brightness in your cell phone settings to save battery life.
NES Power Outage Center
Heating Safety
Winter Driving Safety
NES Power Outage Tips
TDOT Smartway Map
Winter Weather and Pets
Metro Emergency Alert & Notification System (MEANS)
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