Bredesen Requests FEMA Assess Damage from Winter Storms
Friday, January 30, 2009 | 08:56am
Dyer, Lake, Obion and Weakley Counties Hit Hardest
NASHVILLE - Governor Phil Bredesen today requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency perform damage assessments in four counties to begin the federal disaster declaration process. The four West Tennessee counties impacted by winter storms that moved through the state earlier this week include Dyer, Lake, Obion and Weakly Counties.
"FEMA damage assessments are the first step in qualifying counties for federal aid that can help citizens and communities recover," said Bredesen. "I'm pleased that our first responders and local officials have moved quickly to assess the damages resulting from this week's winter weather."
To receive a declaration for federal assistance under the Stafford Act, the state must show that the financial impact of damages to government infrastructure and the cost of response efforts statewide is more than $7.4 million, which is the threshold established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The FEMA Administrator can recommend a federal disaster without damage assessments only if there has been significant loss of life.
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville continues to coordinate emergency responses in the northwest portion of Tennessee and along the Kentucky border. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is deploying its mobile communications trailer and a command bus with more than 25 radio systems to assist local governments in West Tennessee by restoring emergency communications and dispatch capabilities.
"Today, approximately 5,500 customers remain without power in Lake, Obion, Dyer, Henry and Weakley Counties," said TEMA Director James Bassham. "The state is making every effort to ensure utility companies can get into damaged areas as quickly as possible to restore electricity. Meanwhile, approximately 265 people remain in nine local shelters that are currently open in the affected counties."
While recovery efforts are ongoing in Tennessee, TEMA urges citizens to continue to take appropriate safety precautions when using alternative heating sources or working around downed trees or power lines:
- If you encounter a power line on the ground, it is important to stay away from it as it may still be energized. Call your local utility to report the downed line.
- If your power is out, take the necessary steps to use alternative heating sources or generators safely. Keep kerosene heaters away from any nearby potentially flammable objects, provide adequate ventilation, and always refuel your heater outside. You should never use a charcoal grill to heat your home as it can lead to a deadly buildup of carbon monoxide. If you are using a propane heater, be sure to allow for adequate ventilation. Generators should never be used indoors and their exhausts should be pointed away from the building to prevent carbon monoxide building to a deadly concentration.
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