Emergency Management Agencies Prepared To Open Shelters With Forecasted Adverse Weather

Forecasted inclement weather for the week has some communities thinking about the need for emergency shelters.

Jackson County Emergency Management Spokesperson Derek Woolbright said there are about 10 locations across the county at churches or community centers that can be used for shelters. Woolbright said the department does not preset the shelters in the face of weather but activates them on an as-needed basis.

“So basically if we get someone that has a need and they contact to let us know and we figure out which part of the county they’re in and figure out which shelter is most suitable,” Woolbright said. “And then we have someone representatives from the Red Cross and other local agencies to help us get those activated in a pretty brief amount of time.”

Woolbright said they have activated the shelters for as little as just one individual. He said if someone needs assistance during these types of events, they ask those people to contact them through a non-emergency number at 931-268-2556.

Cumberland County EMA Director Travis Cole said they have been in contact with warming shelters and emergency shelter locations this week to prepare for the weather. He said they also maintain close contact with local electric departments as inclement weather occurs.

“As far as opening like a broader range warming shelter the widespread power outage is usually what initiates that,” Cole said. “And coordinating with the local power company about how long that might take. Is it going to be a shorter period like 12 hours, or do we need to look at overnight sheltering?”

Cole said as the weather gets bad, people need to exercise caution and only leave their homes if absolutely necessary. Woolbright said the expected temperatures are dangerous enough to cause someone serious bodily harm.