Upper Cumberland residents are being encouraged to prepare now as winter weather uncertainty continues ahead of the weekend.
Putnam County Emergency Management Director Brandon Smith said the most important step families can take is having conversations about personal safety and backup plans.
“The best thing folks can do right now is spend some time having discussions and looking at preparations for your own personal safety and the health and safety of your family,” Smith said. “Really focusing on those what-if moments is critical.”
Smith said lessons learned from past winter storms, including the ice storm in 2015, have shaped how emergency officials and communities prepare today.
“That storm raised the bar for us on the emergency preparedness side of things,” Smith said. “We take what worked, build it into our plans, and fix the things we could have done better.”
Smith said one of the biggest challenges during winter weather events is the loss of communication when cell phones lose power or networks are damaged.
“One of the big pieces that makes people uneasy is losing cell phone power and not being able to communicate,” Smith said. “Having backup charging systems like battery packs or a plan to charge safely can make a huge difference.”
Smith said emergency kits should include water, food, prescriptions, and supplies for children, especially in the event of extended power outages.
“Water, food, and prescriptions are huge, but also think about what kids will do with no power,” Smith said. “Board games, books, and simple activities can help families get through those long hours.”
Smith said emergency managers across the Upper Cumberland work closely together to prepare for potential impacts and support one another if conditions worsen.
“We’re extremely fortunate in the Upper Cumberland because we all work together,” Smith said. “We’re constantly communicating and planning so we know how to support each other if communities are impacted.”
Smith said staying informed through trusted sources is essential as forecasts continue to change.
“Trust local emergency management, local meteorologists, and the National Weather Service,” Smith said. “We’re not here to sensationalize anything, but to give people accurate information so they can plan.”
Smith said while officials hope the storm remains minimal, preparation now can help families stay safe if conditions deteriorate.