Gov. Lee Seeks Federal Review of Ice Storm Damage as TEMA Gathers County Assessment Reports
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee today asked FEMA to work with TEMA on a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment to determine the state’s eligibility for federal assistance to support power restoration and recovery efforts in counties impacted in the floods and severe ice storm on Feb. 3, and Feb. 4, 2022.
“We are pursuing every option to ensure areas affected by the recent floods and ice storm recover well and Tennesseans receive resources,” Gov. Lee said. “I thank our federal, state, and local partners who are assisting us in a thorough accounting of the damage incurred.”
Joint PDAs are used to determine if a state can qualify for a Major Disaster Declaration and for local jurisdictions to receive federal assistance through one or more programs.
For example, FEMA’s Public Assistance program reimburses local and state governments, and certain private, nonprofit organizations for emergency work, the restoration of utility services, and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities and infrastructure.
TEMA will coordinate with FEMA on the review and scheduling of the joint PDAs as county emergency officials conduct and submit ice storm damage assessments to the agency.
More information about the federal Major Disaster Declaration process is available at fema.gov/disaster/how-declared.
Tennessee experienced dual weather hazards on Feb. 3, and Feb. 4, 2022, as heavy rainfall in West and Middle Tennessee turned to freezing rain and ice accumulations. The ice storm claimed one life in Haywood County, disrupted travel, downed trees and powerlines, and cut off power for tens of thousands of Tennesseans.
About the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency: TEMA’s mission is to coordinate preparedness, response and recovery from man-made, natural and technological hazards in a professional and efficient manner in concert with our stakeholders. Follow TEMA on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, and, at www.tn.gov/tema.
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