TEMA, Local Officials, and Federal Partners Conduct Damage Assessments Following Severe Weather

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) announced it continues to work with local officials and federal partners to conduct damage assessments following severe weather over the last week across West and Middle Tennessee. As of today, the National Weather Service has confirmed 11 tornadoes in Tennessee from April 2-6 and continues to conduct surveys.

“There’s an initial windshield assessment that takes place to give us a broad idea of what has happened,” said Craig Hanrahan, Assistant Director of Recovery and Mitigation (TEMA). “The joint preliminary damage assessments help us zero in on more detailed damages, and then we can take that data and determine if we’ve met federal disaster declaration thresholds.”

TEMA continues to support joint preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) with local and federal partners in impacted counties. As of this release, PDAs have been conducted in 10 counties. The results of these assessments help determine whether the damage meets the requirements, as defined by law, for a federal major disaster declaration to be requested. A declaration is typically based on the severity and magnitude of the event, and whether the affected areas are unable to recover without external support.

“This is a joint effort, and everybody is working together. We’re going to be here from before, during, and after this disaster, and support all through the recovery of the impacted areas,” said Hanrahan. 

Tennesseans are encouraged to take photos or videos of damage and to make note of any losses if their home or property sustained damage during the extensive severe weather from April 2-6. Impacted residents should report any damages to their insurance company and to their county’s local emergency management agency to help expedite the recovery process.

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About the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA): TEMA’s mission is to coordinate preparedness, response and recovery from man-made, natural and technological hazards in a professional and efficient manner in concert with our stakeholders. Follow TEMA on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and at tn.gov/tema.