Some Normalcy Returns After Winter Storm Fern

CARROLL COUNTY (February 9) — Monday was day 17 of ice and snow remnants on the ground as schools in Carroll County reopened and bus drivers were encouraged to use their own discretion when traveling their routes. Winter Storm Fern closed many schools in West Tennessee for 10 days, and even though Carroll County went back to school on Monday, some schools already had planned closures for parent-teacher conferences, among other things.

Warmer temperatures returned to the area over the weekend and are projected to remain until the last week in February. There’s a significant chance of rain on Tuesday night, Saturday and Sunday, but lows remain above freezing for most of the next nine days.

The death toll from Winter Storm Fern remained at 29 in Tennessee on Saturday with more than 900 customers still without power statewide, as of 2 p.m. on February 7.

At the height of the storm, more than 230,000 customers were without power in Tennessee; estimated to be the hardest hit state during Winter Storm Fern.

Nashville Electric Service estimates $100 million in storm-related damages.

The Tennessee Department of Health has also confirmed three weather-related fatalities due to the separate winter weather that began impacting East Tennessee on Friday, Jan. 30: one fatality in Greene, one fatality in Sullivan and one fatality in Washington.

FEMA Public Assistance Approved

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved FEMA Public Assistance (PA) to support eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations with disaster-related response and recovery costs. Public assistance helps cover eligible expenses associated with emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged public infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, utilities and public buildings.

Fifteen counties have been approved for full FEMA PA: Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Davidson, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Perry, Sumner, Trousdale, Wayne, and Williamson.

Eight counties have been approved for FEMA PA Category B (Emergency Protective Measures): Decatur, Dickson, Hardeman, Lawrence, Maury, Robertson, Rutherford, and Wilson.

Category B (Emergency Protective Measures) includes eligible actions taken to save lives, protect public health and safety, and prevent additional damage. Category B approval does not automatically include other categories of Public Assistance related to permanent repairs.

Individual Assistance Still Under Federal Review

FEMA Individual Assistance (IA), which may provide direct support to eligible individuals and households for certain uninsured or underinsured disaster-related needs, remains under federal review at this time.

“Under federal review” means the state has submitted required information and documentation for FEMA’s evaluation of household impacts and unmet needs. No final determination has been issued yet. If IA is approved, FEMA will announce registration details, eligible counties/areas, and application deadlines through official channels.

While IA is under review, impacted residents are encouraged to:

• Document damage (photos and video)
• Save receipts for disaster-related expenses (cleanup, temporary repairs, lodging, and essential items)
• If insured, initiate or continue insurance claims and keep all related records

The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville remains activated at a Level 3 – State of Emergency to support statewide coordination in response to Winter Storm Fern.

Crisis Cleanup is assisting residents with free storm-related property cleanup, including fallen trees. To request assistance, call 844-965-1386.

TEMA has created a survey to self-report damages to homes as a result of Winter Storm Fern. Report your damages at https://arcg.is/1CnqSX3

General Safety Information

• Discard perishable food that has been above 40°F for more than two hours due to power outages.
• Turn thermostats down to 68 degrees or lower to reduce energy consumption.
• Stay clear of downed power lines and assume all lines are energized.
• Check on neighbors who may be vulnerable, including seniors and those without power or heat.

Generator Safety

• Do not connect generators directly to your home.
• Never use generators indoors and never leave them unattended.
• Use a carbon monoxide detector when applicable.