State, Local Partners Distribute Donated Generators and Carbon Monoxide Detectors to Support Residents After Winter Storm Fern

In response to Winter Storm Fern, state and local partners are working together to help communities most impacted by prolonged power outages. Through a generous donation from Elon Musk and xAI, the state received and distributed 500 generators to local partners across Tennessee to support residents with urgent needs in the most impacted counties.

Distribution is being coordinated locally. In Davidson County, Metro Nashville Office of Emergency Management is coordinating delivery of the generators to residents. In other impacted counties, local emergency management agencies are managing distribution through their established recovery operations and community partners.

To promote safe use during outages, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office supplied a carbon monoxide (CO) detector to accompany each generator as it is distributed locally. For important safety tips, including steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, Tennesseans are encouraged to watch Ready.gov’s generator safety video.

“Receiving the donation and moving all 500 generators to local partners in a single day reflects the urgency of the need and the strength of our coordination,” said Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick C. Sheehan. “We’re grateful to Elon Musk and xAI for this donation, and proud of the partners working quickly to get these resources to Tennesseans who needed them most.” 

Recovery efforts after Winter Storm Fern are still ongoing, and TEMA recognizes that no single resource can meet every need. TEMA will continue working with local and state partners to monitor impacts, support vulnerable populations, and connect communities with assistance as restoration and recovery efforts continue.