Shelters, tips to be aware of as freezing temps continue across West Tennessee

January 20, 2025

Jaxon Steward,

JACKSON, Tenn. — Freezing temperatures have settled in across West Tennessee and we have some key reminders to help keep you prepared and safe.

Local warming shelters available

Below freezing temperatures can quickly become dangerous if you are without proper shelter. That’s why multiple nonprofits and various organizations have come together to create temporary warming shelters for their communities. Below you can find a list of warming shelters available to the public in West Tennessee.

For more shelters available in the area, and across the state, click here.

Roadway safety tips

If you find yourself having to travel in these unfavorable conditions, being prepared is always best. AAA recently shared some safety tips to keep in mind while on the road.

“We’re urging motorists to follow the advice of local authorities and stay home if weather conditions begin to deteriorate,” said Megan Cooper, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If you must get on the road, be sure to have at least a half tank of gas, significantly reduce your speed and stay off closed roads.”

If you must be on the road, check the weather before setting out and change plans accordingly.
Pack a well-stocked emergency kit with a cell phone car charger, first-aid kit; extra blankets, hats, gloves and coats; plenty of drinking water and non-perishable snacks for passengers, including pets; flashlight and extra batteries; reflective warning triangles; and an ice scraper or snow brush.

Always drive at a safe speed that matches the prevailing visibility, traffic and road conditions – even if that means driving below the posted speed limit.

Compensate for reduced traction by increasing your following distances (normally three to four seconds) to eight to ten seconds.
Allow sufficient room for maintenance vehicles by staying at least 200 feet back and, if you need to pass, go to the other vehicle’s left.
Watch for icy surfaces on bridges and intersections, even if the rest of the road seems to be in good condition.
Avoid braking on ice. If you’re approaching a patch of ice, brake during your approach. Control the skid. Applying pressure to your brakes while on ice will throw your car into a skid.
If you get stuck in snow or ice, straighten the wheel and accelerate slowly. Add sand or kitty litter under the drive wheels to help avoid spinning the tires.
If your tires lose traction, continue to look and steer in the direction you want to go. If the drive wheels start to spin or slide while going up a hill, ease off the accelerator slightly and then gently resume speed.
Slow Down, Move Over. Avoid driving on shoulders or medians so first responders, tow truck operators and emergency vehicles can get to stranded motorists who are in dangerous roadside conditions.

To see more tips from AAA, like how best to prepare your vehicle or what to do if you find yourself stranded, click here.

Staying in is the best bet, here are ways to reduce your energy usage at home

For most, keeping your energy bill low during winter is the goal. The Tennessee Valley Authority has some tips to reduce your energy usage.

Set your thermostat to 65-68 degrees. Each degree you lower your thermostat can save you as much as 3 percent on your monthly energy bill.
Ensure your window coverings on the sunny side of your house are open during the day.
Unplug unused electronics.
Unblock your air vents.
Reduce your energy usage during peak times by turning off non-essential appliances and lights and refrain from using large appliances during the coldest part of the day.
Postpone use of hot water and adjust water heater’s temperature during peak times.
Weatherstrip doors and windows.
Commercial Business: Turn off any lights and office equipment (or place in sleep mode) when not in use and turn off air-conditioning/heating outside of business hours.
Click here for audio from Ashley England, TVA EnergyRight Marketing Manager, on how to save energy on cold days.

The TVA also says that peak usage times during the winter normally occur in the morning between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time. That’s when people normally get up and get their day started.

For a list of resources to help you stay weather-aware in West Tennessee, click here.

For more local news, click here.