As colder temperatures settle in and the potential for winter weather hazards increases, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) are encouraging Tennesseans to take simple steps now to stay safe throughout the season.
“Already this year, some communities have experienced winter weather and the challenges it can bring, from slick roads to power outages,” said TEMA Director Patrick Sheehan. “A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your family safe and helping our communities stay resilient.”
Throughout the winter months, TEMA and TDOT work closely with local partners to align resources and response efforts that keep Tennesseans safe and moving. With 231,000 tons of salt and more than 1.3 million gallons of salt brine, TDOT maintenance crews are ready to treat and clear roadways of ice and snow should winter weather impact the state.
“Roads are our number one responsibility, and we prepare for winter weather months in advance,” said TDOT Commissioner Will Reid, P.E. “Our salt bins and our brine are fully stocked, and our employees are ready to mobilize in the event of inclement weather. Clearing our roadways as soon as we can is vital to keeping motorists safe and traffic moving in Tennessee.”
When snow hits Tennessee, TDOT ice and snow removal teams focus first on clearing interstates and heavily traveled state routes, specifically targeting areas vulnerable to freezing, such as hills, curves, ramps, bridges, and interchanges. During prolonged weather events, crews may have to clear roadways repeatedly. TDOT crews ask that you stay off the road and give them room to work safely.
TDOT’s HELP team closely monitors weather forecasts several days in advance, proactively preparing staff to adjust schedules and ensure coverage—even during overnight hours in the event of prolonged severe weather. To support extended operations, trucks are pre-stocked with essential supplies, enabling crews to respond quickly and maintain readiness throughout challenging conditions.
For winter weather tips, travel information, and a regional breakdown of TDOT winter weather supplies and equipment, visit the TDOT website .
TEMA and TDOT will continue collaborating with the National Weather Service as weather conditions evolve. We encourage all Tennesseans to take steps now to stay prepared before winter weather impacts their community.
At Home and Work
During winter weather, the main concerns at home or in the workplace include the potential loss of heat, power, and communications, as well as limited access to essential supplies if hazardous conditions persist. Make sure you have adequate emergency supplies on hand that meet the needs of your family, coworkers, and others in your daily community. Suggested items to consider:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information
- Extra water and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration
- Extra prescription medicine
- Baby items such as diapers and formula
- First-aid supplies
- Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove or space heater properly ventilated to prevent a fire
- Extra pet food and warm shelter for pets
- Review generator safety: Never run a generator in an enclosed space
On The Road
Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is in good working condition and prepared for winter travel. If you must drive in snow or freezing temperatures, reduce your speed and use extra caution. Black ice can be nearly impossible to spot, so when temperatures hover around freezing, drive as though ice is present on the roadway.
- Keep your gas tank as full as you can. A full tank will also keep the fuel line from freezing.
- Install good winter tires and make sure they have enough tread, or any chains or studs required in your local area.
- When driving, increase your following distance from 3-4 seconds to 5-6 seconds. It takes longer to slow down and stop on icy roads.
- Every vehicle should have an emergency supply kit in the trunk. Kits should be checked every six months, and expired items should be replaced regularly. Consider adding items like:
- Jumper cables
- Flares or reflective triangle
- Ice scraper
- Car cell phone charger
- Cat litter or sand for better tire traction
- Keep family and emergency phone numbers, including your auto insurance provider and a towing company in your phone.
- Consider keeping a power bank for your phone in your car.
- If stranded, run the engine for about 10 minutes per hour to run the heater and charge your cellphone. Open a window slightly to let fresh air in and avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
- Visit TDOT’s SmartWay Map for updated road conditions year-round.
On The Farm
- Move animals to sheltered areas or bring pets inside.
- Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas.
- Have water available. Most animals die from dehydration in winter storms.
- Make sure pets have plenty of food and water and a warm shelter.
Warming Centers
We encourage Tennesseans who need a warm place to stay to access warming centers across the state, all operated by
local officials and community organizations. TEMA maintains a map of these locally managed shelters. For assistance or questions about shelters in your area, please contact your local Emergency Management Agency.
Generator Safety
Generators can be helpful during a power outage, but they present serious health and safety concerns. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the generator. Some simple guidelines to follow include:
- Never use a generator indoors.
- Place them at least 20 feet from your home and away from windows.
- Do not hook them up directly to your home’s power supply.
PREVENT YOUR PIPES FROM FREEZING
- Allow a faucet to drip slightly (lukewarm water) to minimize freezing.
- Disconnect all outside garden hoses.
- Install an insulating cover over all outside faucets.
- Wrap pipes near external walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or heating tape.
- Close all windows near water pipes.
- If you can’t close the air vents in your crawl space, cover them.
- If you have a basement, heat it.
- Install weather sealing, caulk, or tape to your windows.
- Insulate outside walls and unheated areas of your home.
- If you are going to be away from your home for an extended period, shut off the water supply valve to your washing machine.
IF A PIPE FREEZES
- If a faucet or pipe inside your house freezes, you can thaw it using a hair dryer. (For safety purposes, avoid using a hair dryer around standing water.)
- To thaw a frozen pipe, heat water on the stove, soak towels in the hot water and wrap them around cold sections of the pipe.
- When thawing a pipe, start thawing it nearest to the faucet.
- Make sure the faucet is turned on so that the melted water can drip.