The Nashville Office of Emergency Management is urging everyone to stay weather aware and use care while enjoying summer activities.
The Nashville office of the National Weather Service (NWS) put Metro Nashville Davidson County under an Enhanced Risk for Severe Weather, Sunday, May 26, 2024.
An enhanced risk day indicates that there is a greater threat for severe weather than would be indicated by a slight risk. This is the highest risk level of the last few days.
Strong to severe storms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding are possible Sunday during the day and at night. NWS forecasts severe storms through Sunday; however, Monday also poses a severe threat.
Cumulative rainfall over the next several days could cause flooding issues each day. Davidson County is currently under a Flash Flood Watch until Monday morning.
OEM will have boats out on the waterways, weather permitting, to be available for any incidents or emergencies.
It is important you take precautions prior to and during this weather event both at home and when traveling along roadways.
The National Weather Service says now is the time to:
- Know your safe places and clean them out.
- Make sure that you have emergency kit supplies.
- Continue to check local weather sources for the latest forecasts.
For important safety information and weather updates sign up for the Metro Emergency Alert and Notification System (MEANS) program.
Everyone should keep in mind the following:
From the American Red Cross
American Red Cross Water Safety
Being water competent in natural water requires additional knowledge and skills than in the pool. Whenever you are near a lake, river, stream or other natural water environment, watch and prepare for:
- Unexpected changes in air or water temperature.
- Thunder and lightning.
- Leave the water immediately.
- Stay inside an enclosed area for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.
- If outside, avoid open areas, tall, isolated trees and metal objects.
- Fast-moving currents, waves and rapids, even in shallow water.
- Hazards, such as dams, underwater obstacles, or rocks and debris.
- Vegetation, animals and fish.
- Drop-offs that can unexpectedly change water depth.
- Other people’s activities in the same waters, such as boating.
Establish and Enforce Rules and Safe Behaviors
- Enter the water feet first for your safety!
- Always enter unknown or shallow water cautiously.
- Dive only in water clearly marked as safe for diving, at least 9 feet deep with no underwater obstacles.
- Do not enter the water from a height, such as a bridge or boat.
- Be careful when standing to prevent being knocked over by currents or waves.
- Swim sober.
- Supervise others sober and without distractions, such as reading or talking on or using a cell phone.
- Swim with a buddy.
Take These Water Safety Steps:
- Employ layers of protection including barriers to prevent access to water, life jackets, and close supervision of children to prevent drowning.
- Ensure every member of your family learns to swim so they at least achieve skills of water competency: able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance then get out of the water safely.
- Know what to do in a water emergency – including how to help someone in trouble in the water safely, call for emergency help and CPR.
For Children
- Children younger than 1 year old are more likely to drown at home.
- For children younger than 5, 87% of drowning fatalities happen in home pools or hot tubs.
Most take place in pools owned by family, friends or relatives. - If a child is missing, check the water first: seconds count in preventing death or disability!
- Alert the lifeguard, if one is present.
- Never leave your child alone in a car, not even for a minute or if the car is running.
- Keep your car locked when you are not in it, so kids don't gain access.
- Create reminders by putting something in the back seat next to your child, such as a briefcase, purse, cell phone or your left shoe.
- If you see a child alone in a car, call 911.
- Set a calendar reminder on your electronic device to make sure you dropped your child off at daycare; develop a plan so you will be alerted if your child is late or a no-show
For Older Adults
People aged 65 years or older do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Older adults should stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, contact your local health department, or locate an airconditioned shelter in your area like city community centers, libraries and other –public buildings.
- Do not rely on a fan as your main cooling source when it’s extremely hot outside.
- Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
If your doctor limits the amount of fluids you drink or has you on water pills, ask them how much you should drink during hot weather. - Don’t use the stove or oven to cook—it will make you and your house hotter.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
- Do not engage in very strenuous activities and get plenty of rest.
- Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
For Pets
You should also pay close attention to your pets during the hot and humid days ahead.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) you should know:
- Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors.
- Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.
- Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.
- Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
- Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.
- When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.
Metro Nashville’s Action Commission has programs available to help with energy assistance.
Know the Signs of Heat Illnesses.
Grilling Safety from National Fire Protection Association
Grilling Safety from the National Fire Protection Association
- July (16%) was the peak month for grill fires, followed by June (14%), May (12%) and August (11%).
- Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
- The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
- Never leave your grill unattended.
- Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
- There are several ways to start your charcoal. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
- If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
- Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
- There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
- When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.