How to Prepare for Severe Weather in Tennessee

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Tennessee’s climate — featuring warm, sunshine-soaked summers and cool, mild winters — makes the state a prime place to live. But the varying topography can make the weather unpredictable, particularly in the spring and summer months. If you are a new Tennessee resident, knowing what to expect and preparing for severe weather is key to keeping you and your loved ones safe. 

Not sure where to start? Read on to learn more about Tennessee’s weather, types of essential insurance coverage, ways to prepare your home and how Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee can help.

Weather Challenges in Tennessee

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A unique geographical location in the southeast United States exposes Tennessee to a myriad weather hazards. Over the past 45 years, climate disaster events impacting the state have included floods, freezes, severe storms, a wildfire and even a tropical cyclone.

The average precipitation generally increases from the southern to northern portions of the state, and severe thunderstorms can cause flash flooding in the winter, spring and summer. Some regions are more prone to flooding than others, such as areas near rivers and streams and the Upper Tennessee Valley (due to its location between the Smoky Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau). 

Average temperatures depend on the area’s elevation — and an increase in altitude leads to cooler summers and colder winters with susceptibility to more winds and snowfall. Winter storms can bring snow, sleet and freezing rain, leading to dangerous travel conditions and power outages.

Tennessee is also tucked in “Dixie Alley,” a region in the South known for frequent tornado outbreaks, often paired with damaging wind, hail and rain. While twisters can happen any time of year, they’re most common in March, April and May, and are more likely to occur in the middle and western parts of the state, which includes the Nashville Economic Area (Davidson, Wilson, Sumner and Rutherford counties) and Memphis Metropolitan Area (Shelby County). Tennessee also has more tornadoes occurring at night than any other state, which can make them more unpredictable and challenging to prepare for.

How to Prepare Your Home for Extreme Weather

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There are many ways to protect your house from severe weather. If you live in an area where tornadoes are common, keep your trees trimmed, remove large debris from your property and consider investing in stormproof shutters or an impact-resistant roof. To prepare for severe thunderstorms and potential flash flooding: waterproof your basement and crawl space; declutter drains and gutters; install check valves; and consider using a battery-powered sump pump. Also, move your valuables to higher levels and store your cash and important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.) in a waterproof container. 

Other precautions to take: put together an emergency kit or tornado preparedness kit with essentials such as water, non-perishable food items, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, blankets and other items; discuss evacuation routes with your loved ones; create preparedness checklists for winter storms and tornadoes; and sign up for severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service. 

Insurance Coverage You Need in Tennessee

Here are the types of insurance you might need as a Tennessee resident.

Note: No matter what type of insurance you need, documenting your possessions is vital to ensuring a smooth and accurate claim process if a disaster occurs. A detailed inventory can help you quickly determine the value of your belongings, making it easier to file claims and obtain appropriate compensation. 

• Home insurance: Helps protect your house and personal property from damage or loss caused by events such as windstorms, fire and theft. While most standard policies cover wind, hail and rain damage from tornadoes, flooddamage often isn’t covered, so you need to purchase a supplemental policy that covers flooding.
• Renters insurance: Helps cover your personal belongings and provides liability coverage in case someone is injured on your rental property. It might also pay for temporary living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable in the case of a covered event. 
• Auto insurance: Comprehensive coverage typically covers weather damage to your vehicle, from hurricanes and hail to floods and falling trees. Comprehensive coverage is separate from collision coverage, which covers damage from accidents with other vehicles or objects. 
• Life insurance: Provides financial support to your beneficiaries in the event of your death. This can help loved ones cover expenses such as funeral costs, debts or living expenses.
• Small business insurance: Protects a company from risks, such as property damage, legal liability or employee-related claims. This can be tailored to fit various industries. Commercial property insurance (often included in a small business policy) can cover damage from forces of nature such as windstorms, hail, lightning and snow. However, flood damage often is not covered and may require separate coverage.

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How Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee Can Help

Knowing what types of insurance you need can be challenging, but the pros at Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee (FBITN) are here to support you. The company was founded in 1948 by local farmers and has evolved to include more than 500 agents and 350 claims professionals who are ready to assist if severe weather turns your life upside down.

“FBITN provided great support as we rebuilt two barns and minor damage to the house after the last tornado,” says Cheryl P., a Tennessee resident and FBITN policyholder. “The adjuster responded quickly, in spite of the tremendous damage across Tennessee. The estimate was detailed, and the settlement allowed us to completely rebuild. The money arrived quickly so we were able to begin cleanup and repair almost immediately.” 

FBITN agents are dedicated to establishing one-on-one relationships with clients across the state, providing Tennessee insurance for Tennessee life. They can help you review your homeowners and auto insurance policies to ensure you have coverage that fits your needs and lifestyle. 

“I have been a member of FBITN for years now,” says longtime policyholder Chris W. “Every time I call, I am answered quickly by someone who can help me, and I am never put on hold. They always have the answers I need or immediately take care of any changes I need to make…FBITN takes care of me every time. I started a business in the past year, so I call and stop by more often, to the same pleasant results. Friendly, professional and very helpful with suggestions. It’s my one-stop shop for insurance.”