The Nashville Office of Emergency Management (OEM) continues to urge people to seek shelter if they are without power.

According to the Nashville Office of the National Weather Service, The Melt is Coming!
Temps will fall towards 20 or colder Sunday night then we will see higher temperatures.

Between this week's warmup and rain on Tuesday, NWS says the area should be able to get rid of the remaining snow/ice from last weekend very soon. That means the forecast is for muddy yards by mid-week.

Most Metro Offices will return to normal operations. However, if you have in person business check with the office before going.

Metro Nashville Public Schools will be closed for students on Monday, February 2, as the district continues to address ongoing challenges caused by the recent winter storm.

All before- and after-school programs and after-school activities are cancelled. We will be opening YMCA inclement weather childcare sites identified on mnps.org/weather for families that participate in YMCA before- and after-school programs.

All after-school activities, including sports practices, games, and performances are cancelled.

Additional updates, inclement weather information, and citywide resources for families are available at mnps.org/weather.

Winter Storm Fern is believed to lead to the deaths of 5 people in Davidson County.

• Betty Doss, 79
• Francis Pilkington, 93
• Sharon Conyers, 46
• Almaquio Martinez Olivera, 39
• James H. Mitchell, 92

Causes of death in these cases are pending the Medical Examiner's findings.

Metro Nashville Departments and community partners are focused on ongoing efforts to restore power to thousands of people still without electricity, provide warming locations with transportation provided, provide meals at shelters and to vulnerable communities, and provide information about resources available to impacted residents.

NFD, MNPD and Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) continue to provide safe transportation to area Warming Locations for Davidson County residents as needed. for people's homes are also provided once their power is restored.

To request transportation call 615-401-1712. DEC personnel answering the hotline have access to interpreters so anyone, regardless of the language they speak, can request assistance getting to a warm, safe location. They will also work to get you back home when your power is restored.

Please be prepared to provide this information:

• Your name
• Your current location
• The number of people needing transportation
• Are there special needs or mobility concerns?
• Do you have pets? (pets are allowed for transportation)

Since the transportation hotline started on Sunday, personnel from the Nashville Fire Department and the Metro Nashville Police Department have transported more than 1,200 people.

Warming locations are at all Nashville Fire Stations and Metro Nashville Police Precincts, except for the Central Precinct and East Precinct, for residents affected by the current cold weather.

• All Nashville Fire Stations are available as safe warming spots. The Nashville Fire Department operates 39 Fire Stations across Davidson County.
• Metro Police Precincts are available to the public for warming. These include North, West, Hermitage, Madison, South, Midtown Hills, and Southeast precincts. Please note the Central Precinct and East Precinct are NOT available as a warming shelter.

These locations will be open 24/7 until further notice.

In addition, these other locations are also open 24/7, with overnight accommodation and access to food:

• Southeast Regional Community Center: 5260 Hickory Hollow Parkway, Suite 202, Antioch, TN 37013
• Madison Community Center: 550 N Dupont Avenue, Madison, TN 37115
• Nashville Fairgrounds: 401 Wingrove Street, Nashville, TN 37203
• Bellevue Community Center: 7638A Highway 70 South, Nashville, TN 37221

Pets are allowed to be brought to the locations. You are requested to bring a crate for your pet.

Transportation requests will be handled as resources allow, with priority given to those most vulnerable to extreme cold.

Warming Location Map

The Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), The United Way and Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, announced The Winter Weather Relief Fund for individuals and families affected by the storm to apply for relief.

Funds will be used as needed to address current needs and emerging needs, such as food and supplies. In the coming days, once community needs can be assessed, funds will be used for cleanup and debris removal.

Winter Weather Relief Fund

United Way Greater Nashville

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

If you have an unmet need, call the United Way's 2-1-1 hotline for available resources and support. 2-1-1 is a free and confidential service that helps connect people to local resources available to help in times of crisis and beyond.

Dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211 to get started.

VOAD also launched their needs tracker for Davidson County residents where they can put in their needs, damage information and resources needed. The needs tracker is at NashvilleResponds.com.

Warming Location Clients

Clients on Monday overnight

• Southeast Community Center: 63
• Madison Community Center: 71
• Fairgrounds Location: 305

Clients on Tuesday Overnight

• Southeast Community Center: 80
• Madison Community Center: 60
• Fairgrounds Location: 450

Clients on Wednesday Overnight

• Southeast Community Center: 58
• Madison Community Center: 65
• Nashville Fairgrounds: 279
• Margaret Allen Middle School: 11

Clients on Thursday Overnight

• Southeast Community Center: 63
• Madison Community Center: 67
• Nashville Fairgrounds: 258
• Bellevue Community Center: 1

Clients on Friday Overnight

• Southeast Community Center: 114
• Madison Community Center: 67
• Nashville Fairgrounds: 265
• Bellevue Community Center: 10

Clients on Saturday Overnight

• Southeast Community Center: 93
• Madison Community Center: 78
• Nashville Fairgrounds: 166
• Bellevue Community Center: 13

Medical care is available at all the Warming Shelters.

Nashville Humane Association is providing pet support at shelters.

Officers from the Metro Police Department are staffing our three largest shelters at the Fairgrounds, Madison Community Center and Southeast Community Center. Those shelters combined had 456 persons overnight.

MNPD Chief John Drake has arranged for officers on overtime to complement on-duty shifts as we work through storm recovery. More than 100 additional officers and supervisors per day over three shifts are providing extra patrols to neighborhoods without power and are available to assist with shelter transportation.

Nashville OEM encourages community members to check on neighbors, family members, and others who may need assistance during cold weather events.

Food Distribution

Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods is deploying its Meals That Matter® Disaster Relief Team to Nashville to provide free, hot meals to those impacted by snow and ice. The event is a partnership between Tyson Foods and the Tennessee Poultry Association.

Event Details

Walmart Supercenter #688
5824 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN
Sunday, February 1 - Tuesday, February 3 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily

Tyson Foods volunteers will be onsite serving meals, with chaplain services also available. The team can serve thousands of meals each day based on community need.

Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)

Winter weather has created ongoing challenges for families across the region. Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and Emergency Management partners are coordinating closely with community organizations, including Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, to have access to food.

Neighbors looking for food assistance can find nearby food pantries and distribution sites by visiting the Second Harvest website.

Discounted Hotel Reservations for Impacted Residents

The Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp and the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association and their members are providing discounted hotel lodging for residents.

There is a central database of dozens of hotels in and around Nashville offering deeply reduced rates for residents needing longer-term accommodation. That list is available at visitmusiccity.com/hotel-local-discounts.

Residents without internet access can call the NCVC at 615-259-4700 to help locate available options.

That same page also includes updated status information for many local restaurants and attractions, including openings, closures, and adjusted operating hours residents should check the database consistently since it is updated frequently.

Short-Term Rental Discounts

The Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp and the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association worked with their industry partners to open up more options for local residents needing longer-term accommodation.

VRBO is now also offering discounted rates.

VRBO has created a dedicated page listing local properties with reduced rates, which can be found at VRBO's website.

Airbnb reached capacity for its available free short-term rentals in Nashville.

People in need should contact 2-1-1 to get connected to the program.

Metro Action Commission (MAC)

The Metropolitan Action Commission (MAC) announces the full reopening of all eight agency locations after temporary closures caused by Winter Storm Fern.

Beginning Monday, February 2, Metro Action team members will return to their worksites, and services for customers and students will resume in person.

Agency staff conducted site visits on Friday to ensure all facilities were ready to welcome the community back safely.

"We are excited to return to full operations and continue serving families across Davidson County," said Executive Director Jamekia Bies. "While the storm caused significant disruptions, our team worked diligently to prepare our sites and ensure a smooth transition back to normal services."

Metro Action reminds residents that recovery from the storm will take time. Many households are still experiencing challenges such as power outages and financial strain due to missed work and other storm related issues. The agency encourages anyone in need of assistance to visit the Nashville Responds site for city wide resources and the for information on available programs, including rental assistance and other support services.

Metro Action remains committed to supporting families and individuals as Nashville recovers from Winter Storm Fern.

Residents seeking assistance with utilities or emergency assistance with housing expenses and other urgent matters, should visit the Metro Action site to access MACs online assistance application or follow us at MetroActionCommission on Facebook and Instagram for updates and community resources.

Metro Social Services

MSS is providing Case Management at the three designated winter storm shelters operated by OEM to provide case management to those impacted by the storm. Case managers will connect residents with resources needed to navigate and recover from the storm.

Some of the resources and information provided will be related to rental assistance, helping find housing, connecting with available food resources available in the city, and other needs related to the storm.

Locations: Nashville Fairgrounds, Southeast Community Center, Madison Community Center

Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Nashville Office of Homeless Services

January 31 OHS Night Emergency Overflow

• 381 people for overnight sheltering
• 381 Hot meals, warm cots
• Pets
• Bus passes distributed
• Onsite medical and behavioral health triage

February 1 Midday report

Utilizing a shelter in place model

• 216 people served during the day
• 216 Hot lunches served
• 8 Pets
• Onsite medical triage
• Transportation to the primary shelters
• Meals provided by Mercy Chief and World Central Kitchen

Ongoing Operational Events

• 7000 Meals provided by Mercy Chef, World Central Kitchen, and Taco Bell
• Additional security was secured for expanded capacity and demand of running two shelters.
• OEM secured overflow/ additional space to hold 120 individuals.
• MNPD provided rides for staff.
• OHS covered lodging for staff.
• Encouraging people to go to the primary shelters listed below as the first shelter option.
• Daily calls with Room in The Inn and the Nashville Rescue Mission to triage and monitor daily capacity needs.
• Triage and referrals to Launch Pad, and Mental Health Coop.
• Provided transportation to the primary shelter, Nashville Rescue Mission
• SafePaw assisted with additional kennels to accommodate pets.

Triage details from 4 emergency shelter providers: Office of Homeless Services, Room In the Inn, Nashville Rescue Mission, and Launch Pad

Important details to note

The neighborhood surrounding the Metro Cold Weather Overflow Shelter is experiencing electricity concerns and many neighbors came to the Overflow shelter seeking refuge from the elements and low temperatures. The data below is a combination of all data retrieved.

Date	Numbers Served	Pets	Daytime Census	4 Shelter Totals
Saturday, January 24, 2026	421	12	340	1,394
Sunday, January 25, 2026	428	13	238	1,414
Monday, January 26, 2026	422	12	217	1,422
Tuesday, January 27, 2026	385	12	148	1,361
Wednesday, January 28, 2026	390	10	154	1,393
Thursday, January 29, 2026	369	10	132	1,300
Friday, January 30, 2026	348	10	132	1,270
Saturday, January 31, 2026	381	7	193	1,291

Metro Overflow Shelter extended hours

• Sunday, February 1 - The shelter will operate on extended hours, remaining open for 24 hours.
• Monday, February 2 - The shelter will operate on extended hours, remaining open for 24 hours.

OHS along with other Metro Departments are preparing for a week of low temperatures.

We are closely monitoring the weather and final decisions are made by noon the prior day with a text alert at 9:00 a.m. on the opening day. We will continue to closely monitor the temperatures over the next 7 days.

Please encourage individuals to continue to utilize the primary shelters until they reach full capacity. OHS will closely coordinate with local primary emergency shelters to make adjustments and transportation arrangements as needed.

Metro Emergency Shelter operates as the overflow shelter; please continue to use the regular Emergency Shelter options at Room In the Inn and Nashville Rescue Mission. Cold Patrol and Outreach Teams, make every attempt to deliver people to the primary shelter options prior to utilizing the Metro Overflow Shelter. When transporting people to the Metro building, ensure people actually enter the building prior to driving away.

Launch Pad Emergency Shelter provides shelter for unstably housed young adults 18-24 in an LGBTQ+ affirming atmosphere. Details about hours, locations, and procedures will be provided to young adults via email upon sign-up through the Launch Pad website.

Stay informed

• Text the word OHSALERT to 888-777. We will text you each time Metro opens the shelter.
• Call 615-862-6391.
• Visit the websites below and other social media platforms: Nashville.gov/Homeless

WeGo Central

Please arrive at WeGo at 6:30 p.m. Folks downtown can catch the #23B bus to the shelter from WeGo Central at 400 Charlotte Avenue. People should go downstairs to the lower level at WeGo Central and wait at Bay 24 for the #23B bus. Both the number and letter are important: 2-3-B. We will partner with agencies to secure crates for animals, as all animals will need to be in a crate this year. Bus passes given out in the morning is good for All Day Rides.

Free Shuttle

The free shuttle will pick up at the stops outlined in the attachments. Please note: we are operating a pilot program with additional stops at the Madison Co-op.

Update from Nashville Electric Service (NES)

Following a comprehensive assessment of the extensive ice storm damage across its service area, Nashville Electric Service officials estimate that 85% of its customers will have power restored by February 1; 90% will be restored by Tuesday, February 3, and 99% by Sunday, February 8. The utility is now posting estimated restoration ranges based on zip codes twice a day at NESpower.com. Customers can find information on the targeted completion date for their entire zip code on the website.

Importantly, the estimated information is based on real-time data and may change or fluctuate based on the shifting weather patterns and cold temperatures that continue to cause downed power poles, lines and transformers.

"We understand the overwhelming challenges our customers are facing without knowing when their power will be restored after this unprecedented weather event," said NES CEO Teresa Broyles-Aplin. "We hope that by sharing a targeted timeline and up-to-date estimates for power restoration by zip code, customers can plan for alternate accommodations while NES crews continue to repair the system. We appreciate the patience of our entire community as we work to use every possible resource to bring the power back for everyone."

In addition to the new restoration estimates, NES has developed and launched a specially created web-based tool - My Outage Tracker - that provides residential customers with individual household information about the status of their outage so they can know from remote places when their power has been restored.

While 180,000 out of the more than 230,000 customers who lost power have been restored, as of Sunday afternoon approximately 32,800 have yet to be restored.

To access My Outage Tracker, residential customers should do the following:

• Access My Outage Tracker at NESpower.com
• Enter your residential address
• Status will show if power is on or off and whether a crew is currently assigned

Commercial customers can check on the status of restoration to businesses at 615-736-6900.

Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT)

Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) crews continue working around the clock to clear Nashville roads, support emergency response and assist Nashville Electric Service (NES) with power restoration efforts by clearing obstructions and vegetation from impacted streets.

NDOT crews are currently working to clear trees, limbs and other vegetation from the right-of-way. NDOT does not clear downed trees or vegetation from the right-of-way until NES has cleared the lines assuring that no power is running to them. Once lines are cleared, NDOT will return and clear the roadway. This is not an immediate process and takes some time to complete.

NDOT does not clear or remove fallen trees, limbs, or vegetation on private property.

Many residents have downed trees, limbs, and other vegetation on their property. As residents begin recovery efforts, they should move brush to the curb of their property. Do not block storm drains, culverts, or drainage ditches with brush.

NDOT will be adding supplemental countywide residential brush collection for brush that is at the curb. More information about dates will be available in the coming days.

In addition to the work described above, NDOT has 22 right-of-way inspectors deployed across the county evaluating infrastructure including signs, signals, delineators, speed cushions, sidewalks, bike lanes, pavement issues, potholes and any other damage they may encounter.

As a reminder, NDOT uses a comprehensive list of primary, secondary, and post-secondary snow removal routes to maximize efficiency and cover as much of the county as possible. Like last year, post-secondary routes will replace call-in requests, but reports can still be made to hubNashville and will be used for data gathering and evaluation to inform future winter weather response.

To report a non-emergency issue affecting a Metro Nashville street, visit hub.nashville.gov

Dark traffic signals

• Traffic signals lacking power (dark intersections) should always be treated as a 4-way stop.

Continued treatment of icy roads

• There are some streets that have been inaccessible due to downed vegetation. As these obstructions are cleared, NDOT crews are treating roadways in close coordination with NES.
• For residents with downed trees, limbs, other vegetation:
• Vegetation/Brush should be moved to the curb for future collection
• NDOT is scheduling special collections for vegetation and will announce dates in the coming days
• There are no size guidelines for vegetation brush piles, but piles should not block utility infrastructure, culverts, storm drains, or drainage ditches.

Metro Water Services

Metro Water Services (MWS) is urging all property owners-residential and commercial-to take immediate steps to protect their water systems from cold weather damage. Water expands when it freezes. Frozen pipes and unprotected backflow prevention assemblies can lead to costly repairs, water loss, and service disruptions.

As temperatures drop, MWS is asking every customer to take simple, proactive steps now- insulate exposed pipes, protect and winterize backflow assemblies, check for leaks, and make sure you know how to shut off your water in an emergency. A few simple steps taken today can prevent costly damage and help safeguard our entire water system during the upcoming cold snap.

All MWS facilities and operational functions are fully staffed.

Operations

• Omohundro and the K.R. Harrington Water Treatment Plants have returned to NES power. We also have ample fuel and can return to using generator power, if necessary.
• Water pumpage yesterday (1/28/26) increased to 141 MGD (We pumped 101 MGD same day last week, 1/21/26)

Response

• Our repair and maintenance crews are working 24 hours a day through 3 shifts to ensure continued safe, clean, and reliable water services. Additionally, we have reallocated assignments to provide more First Responders.
• We also have stormwater crews and equipment available to assist water crews in addition to contractors available to supplement repair activities. Customer Care field activities are on 24/7 shifts and responding to emergency requests.

Water main breaks are posted on our Outage Map.

We are still experiencing system issues in the Joelton and Union Hill areas but are seeing improvement.

Pipes that Freeze Most Frequently

• Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and backflow preventers.
• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
• Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.

Guidance for Residential Property Owners

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Close vents to crawl spaces to protect pipes and cover outdoor spigots.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.
• If you are away from home during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home and set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
• Drain seasonal irrigation systems before temperatures drop

Taking these precautions helps prevent costly water damage and reduces the risk of service interruptions during severe weather.

Guidance for Commercial and Industrial Properties

• Inspect all backflow assemblies, especially those located outdoors or in unconditioned mechanical rooms and ensure they are in good working condition.
• Use insulated covers, heat tape, or approved enclosures to shield assemblies from freezing temperatures.
• Ensure mechanical rooms remain above freezing, checking for drafts or HVAC issues.
• Install supplemental heat sources (e.g., heat tape or thermostatically controlled heaters) where needed.
• Drain and winterize irrigation backflow devices that are not in use during winter months.
• Schedule certified testing if a device is suspected to have frozen or been exposed to extreme temperatures.

Proper winterization not only prevents system downtime and costly emergency repairs, but it also helps maintain regulatory compliance and protects the public water supply from potential contamination.

How to Safely Thaw a Frozen Pipe

• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.
• If properties experience a frozen or broken pipe, they should contact a plumber as MWS is unable to respond to private plumbing issues.

Locate your Water Shut-off Valve NOW to Prevent Extensive Damage in the Event of a Break:

• The ability to quickly close this valve may prevent further damage to your home in the event one of your interior pipes burst.
• The shut-off valve may be in the basement, under the kitchen sink, in a utility closet, near the hot water heater, or even under your home in a crawl space.
• If you think you have found it, be sure to test it.
• If you cannot locate your inside shut-off valve or do not have one installed, we recommend that you contact your plumber.

Stay Prepared and Stay Informed

MWS encourages all customers to monitor weather forecasts and take action before temperatures drop. Weather related announcements from MWS will be posted on our social media platforms @NashvilleMWS.

When temperatures rise, an increase in water main breaks caused by ground shift is anticipated. Potential water main breaks should be reported to MWS as soon as possible to 615-862-4600. If water is seen bubbling up in a roadway or flowing in an unusual place, or residents experience a water outage or unexplained low pressure, it may be the result of a broken water main. Current break investigations or active break repairs can be viewed on the MWS Outage Map.

Nashville Waste Services

Nashville Waste Services (NWS) has initiated a safety-first return to residential trash collection, where conditions allow, as part of a comprehensive recovery effort. To support this, the department has activated more than thirty emergency trash drop-off sites and is extending convenience center operations daily through February 7 to provide residents with immediate disposal options.

Revised Collection Schedule

To ensure as many neighborhoods as possible are reached before the city's new collection schedule transition on February 3, NWS crews will work through the weekend following this adjusted calendar for trash only:

• Sunday, February 1: Regular Wednesday (1/28) routes will be serviced.
• Monday, February 2: Regular Thursday (1/29) routes will be serviced.

What Residents Need to Know

• Trash Only: Crews are focusing exclusively on household trash. Curbside recycling remains on hold until the new collections schedule begins February 3.
• Leave Carts Out: Please place your trash carts at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your designated recovery day listed above.

Reminder: Starting February 3, Nashville Waste Services will shift to a new residential trash and recycling collection schedule.

Please visit our Emergency Trash Service Update Storm Recovery Page for updates and more information. Residents can also follow NWS on Facebook or Instagram for updates.

Convenience Centers: Special Sunday and Monday Hours

To provide residents with additional options for material disposal, all four Metro Convenience Centers-which are normally closed on Sundays and Mondays-will remain open (8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) daily through Saturday, February 7:

Convenience Center Locations

• East Convenience Center: 943 Richard G. Adams Drive
• Anderson Lane Convenient Center: 939A Anderson Lane, Madison
• Omohundro Convenience Center: 1019 Omohundro Place, Nashville
• Ezell Pike Convenience Center: 3254 Ezell Pike, Nashville

Fee Waiver: Fees remain waived for all residents at these locations through Saturday, February 7.

Department of Emergency Communications

• DEC remains fully staffed and operational, with additional personnel assigned. The tactical dispatch team remains activated.
• DEC personnel continue to staff the warming center transportation assistance hotline. Call takers have access to interpreters so anyone, regardless of language, can request help getting to a warm, safe location.
• Since the start of this weather event, hubNashville has received more than 10,000 requests and answered over 2,500 calls from Nashvillians. By using hub, 911 lines are kept open for those who need to report life threatening emergencies.
• Throughout this event, over 35,014 incidents have been entered in our Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.

Generator Safety

Nashville Fire Department Generator Safety Video

Nashville Fire Department Generator Safety Video (Spanish)

The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, and fire. Follow the directions supplied with the generator.

• To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands.
• Be sure to turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
• Store fuel for the generator in an approved safety can. Use the type of fuel recommended in the instructions or on the label on the generator.
• Local laws may restrict the amount of fuel you may store, or the storage location. Ask your local fire department.
• Store the fuel outside of living areas in a locked shed or other protected area. To guard against accidental fire, do not store it near a fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater in a garage.
• Plug appliances directly into the generator, or use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads.
• Check that the entire cord is free of cuts or tears and that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.
• Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. Known as "backfeeding," this practice puts utility workers, your neighbors and your household at risk of electrocution.
• Remember, even a properly connected portable generator can become overloaded, resulting in overheating or generator failure. Be sure to read the instructions.
• If necessary, stagger the operating times for various equipment to prevent overloads.

Avoiding Scams

You can check to see if a business is licensed/bonded by checking with Metro Codes at: 615-862-6560.

Protecting Yourself from Contractor and Repair Scams

• Verify Credentials: Ask for identification, licenses, and proof of insurance from contractors. Check with your state or county government to confirm their license is active.
• Get Written Contracts: Never rely on verbal agreements; ensure all repairs, costs, and timelines are in writing.
• Payment Terms: Avoid paying in full upfront. Only make the final payment once the work is completed to your satisfaction.
• Be Skeptical: Beware of contractors who pressure you to make quick decisions, offer "too good to be true" prices, or solicit door-to-door.

Avoiding Government Impersonation Scams

• FEMA is Free: FEMA does not charge application fees. Anyone asking for money to help you get FEMA funds is a scammer.
• Verify Officials: Real inspectors carry official photo ID. Do not give out bank account or social security numbers to anyone claiming to be a government official who called you directly.

Securing Personal Information and Finances

• Guard Information: Do not share personal financial information over the phone or email.
• Avoid Quick Payments: Never pay for services using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• Report Fraud: If you suspect a scam, report it to the FTC, contact your state attorney general, or call the FEMA Disaster Helpline.