Tennessee · Preparedness Guide
Tornadoes in Middle Tennessee, ice storms in the highlands, flooding along every river in the state, and a safety net that runs out fast.
About this guide
Tennessee stretches from the Mississippi River bottoms in the west to the Appalachian peaks in the east — and each region has a different risk profile. West Tennessee (Memphis area) faces tornadoes, flooding, and sits directly over the New Madrid Seismic Zone — one of the most significant earthquake threats in the continental US. Middle Tennessee (Nashville) sees severe tornado outbreaks and flash flooding. East Tennessee gets winter ice events, mountain flooding, and felt the impact of Hurricane Helene (2024) through the Tri-Cities area. No matter where you live in TN, you are in a hazard zone.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Tornadoes, Flooding, Winter Ice Storms
TN has not expanded Medicaid — eligibility is more limited for adults without dependents
USDA hardiness zones: 5b (mountains) to 7b (Memphis / West TN)
Unemployment: up to $325/week for 12 weeks
Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service
Seven topics, one state
Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.
Official maps and tools for flood, fire, earthquake, water, dam, river, and local hazard awareness.
Am I at risk? →
Find nearby courses, extension programs, and emergency training that build practical skills.
Where do I learn? →
Connect with local gatherings, neighbor-help efforts, civic groups, and community support networks.
What's happening near me? →
Find official alerts, emergency agencies, trauma centers, and crisis-response information near you.
Who do I call? →
Use local frost dates, planting zones, soil data, extension calendars, and composting guidance.
What can I grow? →
Find food, utility, health, unemployment, and 211 resources before hardship becomes crisis.
Where can I find help? →
Find your county transit provider, demand-response ride service, and carpool matching options.
How do I get around? →
Simple step-by-step preparedness checklists for your home, family, garden, documents, and local risks.
What do I do next? →
Get specific
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.
Next steps
Know your risks
Flood zones, hazard maps, and the TN risks that apply to your county.
Local Risk ReadinessBuild the basics
The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.
First 72 Hours