City of Jackson, Madison County declare state of emergency ahead of winter storm
PROCLAMATION
DECLARING A LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY
CITY OF JACKSON AND MADISON COUNTY, TENNESSEE
WHEREAS, Governor Bill Lee has declared a State of Emergency for the State of Tennessee due to anticipated severe winter weather conditions, including snow, ice, freezing rain, and extreme cold temperatures; and
WHEREAS, forecasts from the National Weather Service indicate that Madison County and the City of Jackson may experience hazardous winter weather conditions that threaten public safety, transportation, utilities, and essential services; and
WHEREAS, such conditions may result in dangerous roadways, power outages, disruption of emergency services, and heightened risks to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, unhoused individuals, and those without reliable heating; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor of Madison County is authorized under Tennessee Code Annotated § 5-6-101 to serve as the county’s chief executive officer and to take necessary actions to protect life and property during emergencies; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor of the City of Jackson is authorized under the City Charter and applicable Tennessee law to take emergency actions necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, local emergency declarations are necessary to ensure the efficient coordination of emergency response activities, deployment of personnel and resources, and timely communication with the public;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED:
Section 1. Declaration of Emergency
A Local State of Emergency is hereby declared for Madison County and the City of Jackson, Tennessee, effective immediately upon execution of this proclamation and continuing for seven (7) days.
Section 2. Activation of Emergency Management
The Madison County Emergency Management Agency and the City of Jackson emergency management functions are authorized to fully activate emergency operations plans, including the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and to coordinate response efforts with state agencies, municipalities, and public safety partners.
Section 3. Authority to Protect Public Safety
During this Local State of Emergency, the County Mayor and City Mayor are authorized to take reasonable and necessary actions to protect public health and safety, including but not limited to:
- Limiting or discouraging non-essential travel during hazardous conditions
- Closing or modifying operations of county and city offices and facilities
- Coordinating emergency road treatment, debris removal, and utility restoration
- Supporting emergency medical, fire, and law enforcement operations
Section 4. Emergency Purchasing and Staffing
Pursuant to applicable Tennessee law, emergency purchasing procedures may be utilized as necessary to obtain supplies, equipment, fuel, food, shelter materials, and services essential to emergency response. County and city employees may be authorized to work extended hours, including overtime, to meet operational needs.
Section 5. Sheltering and Human Services
The County and City are authorized to coordinate or open warming centers and emergency shelters, and to partner with nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations to assist vulnerable populations during the emergency period.
Section 6. Intergovernmental Coordination
The County and City are authorized to request assistance from the State of Tennessee, including the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), and to enter into mutual aid or interlocal agreements as necessary under TCA § 7-51-901 and TCA § 12-9-101.
Section 7. Public Communication
The County and City shall provide timely public information and emergency notifications through available communication systems, including local media, official websites, and emergency alert platforms.
Section 8. Duration
This Local State of Emergency shall remain in effect until terminated by formal action of the Madison County Mayor and/or the Mayor of the City of Jackson, as applicable, based on improving conditions and public safety considerations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,
We have hereunto set our hands this 23 day of January 2026.
AJ Massey, Madison County Mayor
Mayor Scott Conger, City of Jackson, TN – Government
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