NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — In September 2024, Tennessee was hit by one of the most severe disasters in its history due to Hurricane Helene. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is urging residents to get ready before disaster strikes and ensure they are capable of responding effectively when it does.

September marks National Preparedness Month, and TEMA’s Ready to Recover Initiative seeks to equip residents & businesses in the state with the necessary tools to prepare ahead of emergencies and recover stronger afterward.

TEMA’s Communications Director Kristin Coulter and Community Relations Officer Melissa Egan appeared on WKRN’s Weather Authority Live show to discuss essential preparation steps for disasters. “The hours, days, following an event are stressful and emotional,” Egan noted, “our goal is to motivate residents to make small preparations before an event occurs.”

An important part of preparing involves assembling the necessary items, such as serial numbers for appliances, carpet samples, pictures of items, and critical documents. TEMA suggests utilizing the Home Inventory App from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Additionally, TEMA, in collaboration with the Tennessee Valley Authority, local emergency management agencies, and hardware store Lowe’s, is hosting a statewide weather radio programming event called Tune It Tuesday. Scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. CST, county emergency management agencies will assist in programming NOAA Weather Radios, which are invaluable for weather updates during severe weather events. These radios will be distributed (in limited supply at each participating location), while Lowe’s will have them available for purchase.

See the location for each county here.