Tennessee State Troopers and State Homeland Security Agents to Lead Storm-Related Welfare Checks Across State

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security today announced that Tennessee Highway Patrol State Troopers and State Homeland Security Agents will lead coordinated efforts to conduct welfare checks on Tennesseans who have not been heard from since the devastating ice and snow storm that brought dangerously low temperatures and knocked out power across the state, with the bulk of outages concentrated in the metro Nashville area and Middle and West Tennessee, and whose families have been unable to reach them.

In response to support local communities, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has activated its statewide 800-TBI-FIND number to coordinate welfare check requests, only the third time in the agency's history this resource has been deployed in response to a disaster. The activation came at the request of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) as communities across the state work to recover from the storm's impact.

"Our first priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of every Tennessean affected by this storm," said Commissioner Jeff Long. "By coordinating these welfare checks at the state level, we can help local cities and counties whose resources are stretched thin responding to ongoing weather emergencies. This coordinated approach will also help free up local 9-1-1 operators to focus on emergency calls, ensuring that those who need immediate assistance can get through."

"The Tennessee Highway Patrol stands ready to serve communities across our state during this critical time," said Colonel Matt Perry. "Our troopers are trained and equipped to conduct these welfare checks efficiently and compassionately, and we will work alongside our local partners to bring peace of mind to families worried about their loved ones. We will also continue be out on Tennessee roadways in full force to help motorists and respond to crashes."

"Our State Homeland Security agents understand the urgency families feel when they cannot reach someone they care about," said Deputy Commissioner Greg Mays, of the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security. "This coordinated state response ensures we can quickly deploy resources where they're needed most and provide answers to families during an incredibly difficult time."

The welfare check initiative is designed to assist local jurisdictions whose emergency response resources may be fully committed to addressing storm damage, power outages, road closures, and other weather-related emergencies. Tennessee Highway Patrol State Troopers and State Homeland Security Agents will work in coordination with local law enforcement and emergency management personnel to locate and check on individuals reported missing or out of contact since the storm.

Families who have been unable to reach loved ones since the storm are encouraged to call 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., to report their concern and provide information that will assist state personnel in conducting welfare checks.

The statewide effort reflects Tennessee's commitment to ensuring no family is left wondering about the safety of their loved ones in the aftermath of this disaster.

For updates on storm response and recovery efforts, visit https://www.tn.gov/TEMA or follow the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security on social media.