Flash flooding remains a threat in Middle Tennessee communities

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 9, 2024 – American Red Cross Tennessee Region volunteers are responding to assist people affected by severe weather, including tornados and flash flooding, that hit May 8 through the overnight hours. The Red Cross is working closely with emergency management partners to meet the needs of multiple communities across the state.

Shelters are open for anyone needing a safe place to stay:

Maury County
West 7^th Street Church of Christ
405 West 7^th St.
Columbia, TN 38401

Sumner County
NorthField Church
2100 Nashville Pike
Gallatin, TN 37066

Cannon County - *Respite Center
New Hope Church
4296 Murfreesboro Road
Readyville, TN 37149

Anyone displaced from their home in need of Red Cross assistance should call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Red Cross volunteers will start conducting damage assessments as it is safe to do so.

As flash flooding remains a threat for some Middle Tennessee communities, tune in to local radio, NOAA radio and news stations for the latest updates and weather alerts.

FLOOD SAFETY

• Turn around, don’t drown! Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.  
• Follow evacuation routes and do not try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked. 
• Stay away from floodwaters. Beware of snakes, insects and other animals that may be in or around floodwaters and your home. 
• Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwaters.
• Do not use water that could be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula. 
• If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water. Report them immediately to the power company. 
• If any gas or electrical appliances were flooded, don’t use them until they have been checked for safety. 
• Dispose of any food that has come into contact with flood water. 

RED CROSS EMERGENCY APP

Download the free bilingual Red Cross Emergency App (English, Spanish) to access expert advice on how to prepare and respond to severe weather and features real-time local alerts for severe weather and hazards and includes a map with local Red Cross shelters. Text GETEMERGENCY to 90999 or search “Red Cross Emergency” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.  

For additional information about how to prepare for, respond to and recover from severe weather, visit redcross.org/storms.