Winter Preparations Across West Tennessee
JACKSON Tenn. — We’re taking a look at how local residents are prepping for the severe winter weather this weekend. With a state of emergency declared for Tennessee, many are making sure they get everything they need in time for the wintery mix ahead.
Major local players from city mayors, fire and rescue, law enforcement, school districts, and TDOT are collectively communicating how they will navigate winter weather with drivers noticing several salted streets and highways throughout the region. Here’s what to remember if you have to be out on the roadway.
“Make sure if they do get stranded they have blankets, food, and water. Of course, the best advice is not to get out in it at all if you don’t have to, but some folks don’t get that choice. Allow plenty of time to get to where you are going especially when you start approaching those higher numbers of snow and definitely ice. No one is going anywhere on ice,” said Justin Little, Director for Gibson County EMA.
Little tells us there are plans in place for those who don’t have a place to stay during the frigid temps that are expected.
“We do have several churches and organizations that say depending on the severity of the situation that we can count on them to open up a warming shelter.”
We went to visit a local grocery store, and as you can see the shelves of food and supplies have become scarce for many. Items like milk, loaves of bread, vegetables or even poultry may be hard to find, and many last minute shoppers are disappointed their favorite snacks are out of stock.
“I already bought food. I’m just looking for extra sources of propane. I’m about to hunt down the gas station to see what they have. Stay in stay warm,” said Gabriel Shepherd, Greenfield Resident.
At Ace Hardware in Gibson County residents around West Tennessee are lined up to refill their propane tanks for their grills and heaters, and most tell us it’s to ensure they have electricity by any means necessary.
“They’re coming in for all the cold weather things like ice melts, snow shovels, and all kinds of propane. Both the tanks and filling tanks. Anything they can prepare to heat their house if the electricity goes off,” said Dinah Corley, owner of Ace Hardware in Trenton.
Corley tells us they have a massive influx of sales this week and more are anticipated before snowfall.
“We’ve probably had double or triple the transactions in the last two days, so they have really hung in there and try to take care of everybody,” said Corley.
It’s important to make sure you’re prepared when winter weather hits.
For more winter weather coverage, tips, and important information to stay one step ahead, click here.
