🌨️ Winter Storm Alert: Upper Cumberland Risks & 5 Weather-Proofing Steps

🌨️ Winter Storm Alert: Upper Cumberland Risks & 5 Weather-Proofing Steps

A powerful winter storm is tracking across the Southeast this weekend, and the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee is squarely in its path. With our mix of rolling hills, rural communities, and older housing stock, residents face unique risks:

•             Power outages from ice-laden trees and downed lines are common in Crossville and Livingston.

•             Frozen pipes are a major concern in homes with crawl spaces or basements, especially in Jamestown and Allardt.

•             Roof leaks and ice dams can develop quickly on steep-pitched roofs typical of Sparta and Cookeville homes.

•             Treacherous back roads and rural driveways often remain icy long after main highways are cleared.

Preparation now can prevent costly damage and keep families safe.

🔧 1. Protect Pipes and Plumbing

•             Keep indoor temps at 55°F or higher, even if you’re away.

•             Insulate exposed pipes in unheated basements, crawl spaces, and barns.

•             Open cabinet doors under sinks during deep freezes.

•             Allow faucets to drip slightly to prevent pressure buildup.

•             Know where your main water shutoff valve is—often in basements or buried near the street in rural areas.

•             Vacant homes or cabins? Shut off the water supply and drain faucets.

🪟 2. Seal Drafts and Keep the Heat In

•             Perform the “candle test” around windows and doors to spot leaks.

•             Install weather stripping and reseal caulking.

•             Address drafts behind outlets and switches with foam gaskets.

•             In older farmhouses and historic homes, sealing drafts can cut heating costs dramatically.

🌳 3. Check Outdoor Plumbing & Yard Prep

•             Disconnect and drain hoses and sprinklers.

•             Caulk gaps around exterior faucets.

•             Add insulated faucet covers.

•             Trim or remove dead branches—a major hazard in wooded areas like Fentress and Overton counties.

❄️ 4. Prevent Ice Dams

•             Clean gutters before snow and ice arrive.

•             Watch for icicles forming along fascia boards.

•             Ensure proper roof ventilation and insulation.

•             Inspect for small roof issues like popped nails.

•             Schedule a roof inspection—especially important for older homes in Crossville and Jamestown.

🔥 5. Prep Heating & Furnaces

•             Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on every floor.

•             Use portable heaters safely automatic shutoffs only and keep 3 feet from flammable items.

•             Replace furnace filters and schedule annual inspections.

•             Keep vents clear of obstructions.

•             Never use ovens, grills, or kerosene heaters indoors.

🚨 Warning Signs of a Frozen Pipe

•             Little or no water flow from faucets

•             Frost or condensation on exposed pipes

•             Gurgling or unusual noises when turning on faucets

If suspected: Shut off the main water supply immediately and warm pipes slowly (hair dryer recommend never open flames).

📞 Upper Cumberland Emergency Contacts

When severe winter weather strikes, knowing who to call and where to go can make all the difference.

Cumberland County

•             Emergency Management Agency: Travis Cole, Director – (931) 484-7016, emadirector@cumberlandcountytn.gov

•             Utilities: Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (UCEMC) – (800) 261-2940

•             Warming Shelters: Bread of Life Mission, 4th Street, Crossville

Fentress County

•             Emergency Management Agency: James Bilbrey, Director – (931) 879-5075, fentressema1@gmail.com

•             Utilities: Fentress County Utility District – (931) 879-7639

•             Warming Shelters: UCHRA Office, 308 Main Street South, Jamestown – (931) 879-8040

Overton County

•             Emergency Management: Overton County Rescue Squad – 251 Industrial Blvd., Livingston

•             Utilities:

•             UCEMC – (800) 261-2940

•             Volunteer Energy Cooperative – (931) 839-2217

•             City of Livingston Water – (931) 823-1269

•             Warming Shelters: Livingston County Fire/Police Department – 900 N Church Street, Livingston

Putnam County

•             Emergency Management Agency: 700 County Services Dr., Cookeville – (931) 528-7575, ema@putnamcountytn.gov

•             Utilities: UCEMC – (800) 261-2940

•             Warming Shelters: Cookeville Community Cares – 240 Carlen Avenue, Cookeville

White County

•             Emergency Management Agency: Matt McBride, Director – (931) 212-9849

•             Utilities: UCEMC – (800) 261-2940

•             Warming Shelters: Local registration available via county EMA storm shelter program

Pickett County

•             Emergency Communications: Overton-Pickett E-911 – (931) 823-8593

•             Utilities: UCEMC – (800) 261-2940

•             Warming Shelters: Check Tennessee Shelters dashboard for updated Pickett County warming centers

🚨 Quick Tips

•             Dial 911 for immediate emergencies.

•             Call 511 for real-time road conditions.

•             Sign up for local alerts via county EMA websites or ReadyTN app.

We hope everyone stays safe and warm,