Winter Storm Fern: Resources Every Tennessee Business Should Know

Winter Storm Fern has brought dangerous conditions across Tennessee, leaving communities with power outages, icy roads, and hazardous travel conditions. For businesses, these conditions pose unique challenges: keeping employees safe, maintaining operations, and protecting property. 

The Tennessee Chamber wants you to be aware of state-supported resources and agencies available to help businesses during this storm. Knowing where to turn can help you minimize disruptions, protect your workforce, and respond effectively to emergency conditions.

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)

TEMA is the state’s lead agency for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. During Winter Storm Fern, TEMA is working around the clock to support communities and businesses alike. 

Social Media:  

X – @TennesseeEMA  

Instagram – @tennesseeema 

Facebook – @TennesseeEMA 

What Businesses Should Know:

• Access real-time updates on storm impacts, road conditions, and closures. 

• Find safety alerts relevant to your business location. 

• Identify warming shelters and emergency resources for employees. 

Actionable Tip: Bookmark TEMA’s Winter Weather page and check it frequently to adjust operations, protect employees, and ensure deliveries or shipments can proceed safely. 

Visit TEMA Winter Weather Updates

 

Tennessee National Guard

Social media:  

X- @TNMilitaryDept 

Instagram – @tennesseenationalguard 

Facebook – @tennesseenationalguard 

The Tennessee National Guard is activated to support state emergency operations, including business continuity: 

• Assisting in the setup and operation of warming shelters to ensure safe accommodations for displaced employees and essential personnel 

• Providing medical care at shelters, helping maintain health and safety for employees, customers, and the public 

• Supporting TEMA with logistics, road clearance, and emergency response 

Tip: Monitor Guard activity on social media in your area for safe access to your business or delivery routes. 

 

State Winter Weather Hotline

Phone: 1‑844‑4TENN‑4U (1‑844‑483‑6648) 

The hotline provides official guidance from the state on storm conditions and resources. 

How Businesses Can Use It:

• Confirm road and travel safety for employees and deliveries.

• Ask about state-recommended operational measures during hazardous conditions.

• Receive updates on emergency closures or shelter availability.

Tip: Share this number with key staff so your leadership team can make informed operational decisions. 

 

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Welfare Hotline

Phone number: 1‑800‑TBI‑FIND (1‑800‑824‑3463)

The TBI hotline is activated during major storms to coordinate welfare checks for residents, including employees.

Business Relevance:

• Ensure the well-being of on-site or remote employees if travel becomes unsafe. 

• Request state support if staff cannot safely reach their workplace or home. 

Tip: For businesses with multiple locations, consider maintaining a check-in system with employees and escalate to TBI if necessary. 

 

United Way 211 – State Partner System

Phone number: 211

United Way 211 is a state-supported referral system connecting businesses and employees to essential resources:

• Food, housing, and temporary assistance for staff affected by outages or travel hazards

• Volunteer support to assist business operations or community outreach

• Connections to non-emergency services that can support employees or clients

Tip: Include 211 in your emergency contact list so employees know where to find support during prolonged disruptions.

 

Crisis Cleanup Hotline

Phone: 1‑844‑965‑1386

Storms can leave debris or damage on commercial property, affecting business continuity. Crisis Cleanup coordinates volunteer support to help remove hazards and restore safe access.

Why It Matters for Businesses:

• Ensures employees and customers can safely access your facilities.

• Helps reduce downtime caused by storm damage.

Tip: Document damage before cleanup for insurance purposes while keeping employees safe. 

 

Warming Centers & Emergency Shelters

State and local agencies maintain warming centers across Tennessee to protect residents during extreme cold. 

Business Use:

• Guide employees to safe locations if travel or power outages prevent them from reaching the office. 

• Use as a resource for essential personnel required to maintain operations. 

Tip: Regularly check TEMA’s interactive map or your county emergency management office for updated shelter information.