Tennessee homeowner guide

Main water shutoff

At the meter near the street or at the wall entry. Know your shutoff before any freeze event; Tennessee pipes burst in hard freezes in homes that lack adequate insulation on exterior walls and crawl spaces.

Radon awareness

Tennessee has elevated radon levels in many counties, particularly in East Tennessee's Appalachian counties and Middle Tennessee's Highland Rim. Test for radon within 90 days of move-in. The Nashville area has higher-than-average radon occurrence.

Crawl space inspection

Most Tennessee homes outside major city high-rises have crawl spaces. Inspect at move-in for moisture, vapor barrier condition, pest activity, and wood rot. Tennessee's humidity makes crawl space moisture management ongoing.

HVAC maintenance

Tennessee's balanced but distinct seasons mean HVAC runs hard in both directions. Replace filters monthly during peak seasons. Service once in fall, once in spring.

Gutter and drainage maintenance

Tennessee's heavy spring rainfall (Nashville averages 47 inches per year) combined with tree cover means gutters fill fast. Clean twice yearly. Poor drainage is the most common Tennessee foundation problem.

Tennessee tornado risk

Tennessee ranks in the top 10 states for tornado frequency. West Tennessee (Memphis corridor) is in Dixie Alley. The 2020 Nashville tornado and 2023 Rolling Fork-style events show the Middle Tennessee risk. Have a NOAA weather radio. Know your shelter location.

Storm prep and exterior inspection

Inspect the roof after winter. Check for lifted shingles, cracked caulking, and damaged gutters. Spring storms can be severe.

Heat and humidity management

Tennessee's summer heat index reaches 100-108°F. HVAC systems run continuously. Change filters monthly. Keep the AC running even when away for extended periods; setting to 80°F rather than off prevents the humidity-driven mold that can develop in 3-5 days without air conditioning.

Middle Tennessee ice storms

Nashville and Middle Tennessee receive significant ice storms (2021 Nashville ice storm caused days of power outages). Stock 5-7 days of supplies. Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces and exterior walls. Know how to let faucets drip during hard freezes.

East Tennessee mountain winter

The Great Smoky Mountain area and East Tennessee ridge communities can experience significant snowfall and road closures. Stock 7-10 days of supplies in fall for remote properties.

Annual inspection

Tennessee has heavy subterranean termite pressure statewide. Maintain an annual inspection and active termite bond. Memphis and West Tennessee have particularly high termite activity.

Eliminate wood-to-soil contact

Wood debris in crawl spaces, untreated wood landscaping materials near the foundation, and wood mulch against the foundation are all termite attractants.

Tennessee's heavy rainfall and clay soils

Much of Middle and West Tennessee sits on expansive clay soils. Grade soil away from the foundation, extend downspouts 4+ feet, and consider a French drain if water consistently pools near the foundation.

Shelter location

Lowest floor, most interior room, no windows. Tennessee homes rarely have basements outside of East Tennessee mountain construction. Interior bathrooms and closets on the ground floor are the primary shelter option.

Night tornado protocol

Tennessee tornadoes frequently occur at night. NOAA weather radio with audible alarm near the bedroom. Keep shoes and a flashlight accessible at the shelter location.

Nashville flooding (2010 and ongoing)

The 2010 Nashville flood killed 21 people and caused $2 billion in damage. The Cumberland River can rise 50+ feet in major rain events. Know your flood zone. If in the 100-year floodplain, flood insurance is not optional.

Shelter immediately

Warning = take shelter now. Interior room, lowest floor, no windows. Cover head. Tennessee has produced EF4 and EF5 tornadoes. Treat every warning as potentially catastrophic.

Shut off and drain

Main water off at the meter. Open all faucets. Photograph all damage. Tennessee plumber wait times are 48-72 hours after statewide ice events.

Crawl space flooding response

Do not enter if electrical equipment is submerged. Call Tennessee Valley Authority distributors or your local cooperative to disconnect power at the meter. Pump out water, dry immediately. Nashville Electric Service: 1-615-736-6900.

Ice storm extended outages

Tennessee ice storms down trees onto power lines; outages last days. Nashville Electric Service: 1-615-736-6900. TVA distributors vary by county. Generators outside only, 20 feet from windows.

Evacuate and call from outside

Rotten egg smell: everyone out. Leave door open. Call 911. Atmos Energy: 1-888-286-6700. Nashville Gas: 1-615-734-0150. Do not re-enter until cleared.

Two exits, meet outside, never re-enter

Know two ways out of every room. Specific outdoor meeting place. Crawl under smoke. Call 911 from outside. Never go back in.