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State of Emergency declared in TN after widespread flooding; many organizations assisting those in need

Posted at 6:55 PM, Feb 23, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-24 16:30:57-05

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A State of Emergency in Place has been declared in Tennessee after widespread flooding and severe weather have occurred over the last two days.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency activated the Tennessee Emergency Management Plan on Saturday.

Governor Bill Lee has asked residents of Tennessee to follow all instructions of emergency officials and stay alert as flood waters continue to rise.

There are five activation levels in the Tennessee Emergency Management plan. Currently Tennessee is at Level 3.

In response to record-setting rains, power outages, water rescues and flooding that has occured over the last 48 hours, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has created a Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund to support those who have been affected and the non-profit organizations that are helping those victims.

Grants are being made available to these non-profits in order to help them provide both immediate and long-term vital services to those in Tennessee who will have to rebuild their lives after this disastrous event.

“We know when disasters strike, there are no quick fixes,” said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. “We need to support the affected communities and the nonprofits on the ground helping victims and addressing their needs.”

In addition, the American Red Cross has set up multiple shelters across Tennessee in order for those who have evacuated their homes to have somewhere to go.