Nashville does not get ice storms often. But when one hits, it hits hard. The January 2026 ice storm left thousands of homeowners across Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, and Murfreesboro dealing with fallen trees, roof damage, power outages, and frozen pipes. If you are currently in recovery mode, this Nashville ice storm recovery checklist will help you know what to do, in what order, and where to get help.

Safety comes first. Property comes second. Community matters throughout.

1. Check Your Home Safety Right Away

Walk around the outside of your home before going back in. Look for visible roof damage, cracked walls, and broken windows. If the roof looks unstable or walls appear shifted, do not go inside. Call a professional first.

Inside the home, check your heating system. A lot of Nashville residents switch to alternate heating sources during power outages. This creates serious risk.

• Never use a gas oven or stovetop for heat
• Never run a generator indoors or in an attached garage
• Never use a propane heater in an enclosed space without ventilation
• Install a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector if you do not have one

2. Contact Your Utility Companies

After a storm like this, utility safety is critical. Do not wait to report damage.

• Electricity: Report outages and downed lines to Nashville Electric Service (NES) at nespower.com or call their outage line. Treat every downed line as live.
• Gas or water: If you smell gas or suspect pipe damage, call Nashville Metro Water or your gas provider right away. Do not wait until business hours.

If your utility lines were damaged and your home needs repairs to electrical systems, plumbing, or HVAC after the storm, Barnes Talero Construction handles full systems work as part of their renovation services across Nashville and surrounding areas.

3. Your Nashville Ice Storm Recovery Checklist

Work through this list step by step. Do not skip ahead. Each item matters.

Food and Water

• Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for 3 to 14 days
• Keep a supply of non-perishable food items like canned goods, peanut butter, and granola bars
• Have baby formula, specialty nutrition, or prescription supplements ready if needed
• If power is out, use refrigerator food first, then freezer food

Warmth and Clothing

• Wear layers. Start with moisture-wicking base layers, then insulating layers, then a wind-resistant outer layer
• Cover your nose, ears, fingers, and toes. These are the first areas affected by frostbite
• If you feel tingling, numbness, or see pale skin, move to a warm space immediately
• Keep extra blankets in every room in case heat goes out overnight

Medical and Emergency Items

• Have at least a 30-day supply of any prescription medication
• Keep a basic first aid kit accessible
• Charge all devices before the next predicted storm
• Keep a printed list of emergency contacts and medical info in case your phone dies
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for weather updates

4. What to Do During a Power Outage

Power outages after ice storms can last hours or days in Nashville. Here is how to stay safe while you wait.

• Use flashlights instead of candles when possible. Candles are a fire risk in a damaged home.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to hold temperature longer
• Layer up and stay in one room together to preserve body heat
• If your home gets dangerously cold, go to a warming center

5. Check on Neighbors and Vulnerable People

Ice storms are especially dangerous for older adults, young children, people with disabilities, and pets. If you are safe and warm, check on the people around you.

• Knock on doors of elderly neighbors who live alone
• Offer to pick up medications or groceries if roads are passable
• Bring pets inside. If it is too cold for you, it is too cold for them
• Report any welfare concerns to Metro Nashville at 615-862-5000

6. Nashville Community Help and Volunteer Opportunities

Nashville takes care of its own. After major storms, local organizations set up food distribution, meal delivery, and shelter programs fast.

• Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee runs food distribution after disasters
• Nashville Rescue Mission provides shelter and meals year-round and expands capacity during storms
• Local churches across East Nashville, Germantown, and Antioch often open as warming spaces
• Volunteer with Community Resource Center (CRC) for donation drives and delivery programs

If you want to help but do not know where to start, call 211. It is Tennessee’s community helpline and connects you to local volunteer needs and resources.

7. Nashville Warming Centers and Shelter

If your home is too cold or unsafe to stay in, you do not have to tough it out. Warming centers open across Nashville during severe weather events.

• Nashville Rescue Mission on Lafayette Street is always open
• Metro Nashville activates additional warming centers during declared emergencies. Check nashville.gov for current locations
• Call 211 to find the nearest open warming shelter with available space
• If you need transportation to a shelter, contact Metro Nashville at 615-862-5000

8. Home Damage and Cleanup Checklist

Once it is safe to assess your property, do this in order.

• Take photos and video of all damage before touching anything. This is critical for insurance claims.
• Check for frozen or burst pipes. Look under sinks, in basements, and in crawl spaces
• If a pipe has burst, shut off the main water supply immediately
• Clear ice from walkways and steps to prevent injuries
• Do not attempt to remove large tree limbs from your roof on your own
• Tarp any roof openings to prevent further water damage while you wait for a contractor
• Document all damaged items inside the home separately for insurance

If your home suffered structural damage, water intrusion, or needs roof, flooring, or interior repairs, Barnes Talero Construction offers complete home renovations and can help you assess what needs to be done first. They serve Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Murfreesboro, and Mt. Juliet.

9. Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your homeowner’s insurance as soon as possible after the storm. Have your photos and video ready.

• Ask what your policy covers for storm damage, fallen trees, and water intrusion
• Ask if temporary repairs like tarping or boarding up windows are reimbursable
• Get repair estimates from licensed local contractors. Insurers are more confident approving claims with proper documentation from reputable professionals
• Keep a log of every call, email, and claim number

10. Business Recovery After an Ice Storm

Nashville small businesses take a real hit after ice storms. Here is what to focus on first.

• Make sure employees are safe before worrying about operations
• Check your building for structural damage before allowing staff back in
• Notify customers and vendors of any delays through your normal channels
• Contact the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) for post-disaster recovery guidance
• Check if SBA disaster loans are available for your county after a declared disaster

11. Driving Safety on Nashville Roads After Ice

Nashville roads become extremely dangerous during and after ice storms. Black ice forms fast and is nearly invisible.

• Avoid all unnecessary travel until TDOT clears roads
• Check road conditions at 511.com or call 511 before driving
• If you must drive, go slow and leave extra space between cars
• Carry a basic emergency kit in your car: blanket, water, flashlight, phone charger, and snacks
• Bridges and overpasses freeze first. Slow down well before you reach them

If your property was damaged and you need help with flooring repairs, bathroom water damage, kitchen repairs, or deck and fencing damage from fallen trees or ice weight, Barnes Talero Construction is a licensed Nashville contractor ready to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery takes time. Nashville has been through tough weather before and the community always pulls together. Follow this Nashville ice storm recovery checklist, lean on your neighbors, and use the local resources available to you. Your home and family will get through this.