Ambulance: 911 or (615) 451-6070
(Sumner County)
FBI: (615) 292-5159 (Nashville) or 1-901-747-4300 (Memphis)
Fire: 911 or (615) 822-1111
Forest Fire: (615) 824-3143
Gas Leak: (615) 734-1400
Poison Center (615) 936-2034
Police 911 or (615) 822-1111
Railroad Emergencies (CSX Transportation) 1-800-232-0144
Secret Service (615) 736-5841
Sheriff (615) 452-2616 (Sumner County)
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (615) 744-4000
Tennessee Highway Patrol (615) 741-2060
Gas
Leaks
Natural gas is one of the safest fuels available. It makes sense though, to
know what to do in case of a natural gas leak.
If you smell natural gas, take action fast:
Develop an emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during a tornado (a real
possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school),
have a plan for getting back together.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a
disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the
family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
Tornado Watches and Warnings
A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are
possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. This is time to
remind family members where the safest places within your home are located, and
listen to the radio or television for further developments.
A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by
weather radar.
Mobile Homes
Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable. A mobile home can overturn very easily
even if precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. When a tornado warning
is issued, take shelter in a building with a strong foundation. If shelter is
not available, lie in a ditch or low-lying area a safe distance away from the
unit.
Tornado Danger Signs
Learn these tornado danger signs:
An approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a
funnel is not visible.
Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still.
Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not
uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.
DURING
If at home:
Go at once to the basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level of the building.
If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a smaller inner room without
windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Get away from the windows. Go to the
center of the room. Stay away from corners because they tend to attract debris.
Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk
and hold on to it. Use arms to protect head and neck. If in a mobile home, get
out and find shelter elsewhere.
If at work or school:
Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level. Avoid places
with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, or
shopping malls. Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or
heavy table or desk and hold on to it. Use arms to protect head and neck.
If outdoors:
If possible, get inside a building. If shelter is not available or there is no
time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong
building. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Use arms to protect head and
neck.
If in a car:
Never try to out drive a tornado in a car or truck. Tornadoes can change
direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air.
Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building.
If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or
low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the
potential for flooding.
AFTER
Help injured or trapped persons.
Give first aid when appropriate. Don't try to move the seriously injured unless
they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
Turn on radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities say it is
safe.
Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, or gasoline or other flammable liquids
immediately.
Leave the building if you smell gas or chemical fumes.
Take pictures of the damage--both to the house and its contents--for insurance
purposes.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, the
elderly, and people with disabilities.
Inspecting Utilities in a Damaged Home
Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a
window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main
valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn
off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by
a professional.
Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires,
or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or
circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit
breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
Check for sewage and water line damage--If you suspect sewage lines are damaged,
avoid using toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the
water company and avoid using water from the tap.
Earthquakes
It is more likely that Western Tennessee or Eastern Tennessee
will experience an earthquake as compared to Middle Tennessee where
Hendersonville is. However, there is a very small chance we could experience
some earth movement in Hendersonville. There are several web sites which will
give you more information on how to prepare for an earthquake and what to do
should one occur:
http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/earthquakes.shtm
www.ceri.memphis.edu/public/survival.shtml
This web site lists current and historical earthquakes for the
United States and the world:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/neic/
Dam Breaks
Wolf Creek Dam
See maps of what areas of Hendersonville would be affected if the Wolf Creek Dam in
Kentucky were ever to break.
These maps are
available online from the United States Corps of Engineers and can be viewed
if you have a high-speed Internet connection. If you have a low-speed
connection, you might want to see paper copies of the maps at the Martin R.
Curtis, Sr. Hendersonville Public Library. If you live in or near a flood area, the
Corps of Engineer recommends:
Purchase a weather band
radio for early warning.
Have a plan for
evacuation of your family to a designated gathering place.
Practice your
evacuation plan.
Secure your property by
locking doors and outbuildings upon departure.
Establish a contact
person or persons outside the flood area for check-in.
Consider purchasing
flood insurance (strictly a personal choice).
