Middle Tennessee Storm Damage Preparation

Middle Tennessee has a lot going for it. You can get homes cheaper than in several parts of the country. You can find some absolutely gorgeous natural scenery that attracts nature lovers from out of state.

However, this part of the country can see some pretty serious storms as well. Rainstorms carry the risk of flooding, while hail and sleet can damage vehicles and homes. 

Luckily, you probably know about some essential steps to secure your home during a storm. If you grew up in these parts, your parents probably taught you all about them as a child. 

If not, or if you just moved here, then it’s high time you learned about how to keep your home and property safe before storm season comes. Let’s discuss some common-sense solutions that should prevent you from incurring any catastrophic losses.    

First, it makes sense to learn as much as you can about the region you have just moved to or the locale where you live. Look at what the seasonal weather resembles if you haven’t lived through it yet. Ask some of the locals. They can probably tell you about some of the measures they take.

Next, you will want to create an emergency plan that you can quickly and easily implement if there’s a big storm heading your way. Call a family meeting and talk to everyone about this plan. Emphasize what role each of them will play.

Maybe that means just getting them home and under the same roof if you hear there’s a tornado, flood, or some other massive impending weather event. Once you know everyone’s location, you can breathe easier as you secure everything that you care about. 

It follows that you will want to have an emergency storm kit on the premises. This might include things like important documents, a cell phone charger, a first aid kit, some extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, and some flashlights. You may also want to include some nonperishable food items and some bottles of water.

This last item might stand out as having the highest importance. You will want one gallon of water per person per day. Plan to include enough for 3-5 days. Hopefully, if the worst happens, some help will come before that period ends.

Put the kit somewhere you won’t forget about it. Tell everyone its location. Also, make sure to switch out the nonperishable food items every year or so. They may be “nonperishable,” but that does not necessarily mean they’ll last forever. Nearly everything has a best by date.

Many free-standing homes in middle Tennessee have basements, while some even come with fallout shelters. However, you might sometimes encounter storms where that’s insufficient.

You should look at any buildings nearby where you can take shelter in a severe storm situation. Those might include community centers, churches, YMCAs, etc. 

Look at their policies regarding taking in families during storms as well. Most of them will have an open-door policy, but it makes sense to check beforehand.

You will want to own a NOAA weather radio. You can use it to get any local bulletins about a storm when it hits. 

You might also want to sign up for any public weather notification services. It’s usually relatively easy to find local ones. They can contact you via text, email, or phone call, depending on your preference.

When the weather service predicts a storm, get everyone in your family home. Pull the emergency kit out and have it ready. When you hear the first rumbles of thunder, get indoors. Make sure you know your pets’ location, if you have any.

Avoid any electrical equipment, running water, and power lines. Unplug any electrical devices and appliances. Also, makes sure to stay away from tall trees, metal objects, and high ground. You should also stay off of porches and away from doors and windows.

Usually, if there’s a huge storm coming your way as a middle Tennessee resident, you will know about it far in advance. The local news should report on it, so it’s not like it will be on top of you before you know it. A common-sense approach should work best as you keep yourself and your family safe.

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