Emergency Response & Resources

How to Help

Farm and Forest Families of Tennessee Disaster Relief Fund
Volunteers and Donations

Guidance

Retail Food Stores
See Restaurants and Grocers Reopening After Hurricanes and Flooding for guidance.

Additionally, if your store is without water, it’s essential to activate your emergency procedures immediately. If you cannot access potable water, all food preparation must stop and only prepackaged foods can be sold. Your commitment to food safety ensures the well-being of your customers. If you have questions, please call (615) 837-5193.

Produce Growers and Livestock Producers
Resources for Human and Animal Food Producers Affected by Flooding
Safety of Food and Animal Food Crops Affected by Hurricanes, Flooding, and Power Outages
Guide to Assess Flood-Affected Crops
Food Safety for Flooded Farms

Resources

TEMA - Hurricane Helene Updates

USDA - Hurricane Recovery
              Overview of USDA Program Flexibilities for Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton Recovery 
              Hurricane Helene Disaster Assistance Fact Sheet            

UT Extension - Flood-Related Resources

Tennessee Department of Agriculture Response

Oct. 1, 2024 - Situation Report 1
Oct. 2, 2024 - Situation Report 2
Oct. 2, 2024 - Press Release: Cost Share Application Period Added for Farmers in Nine Counties
Oct. 3, 2024 - Situation Report 3
Oct. 4, 2024 - Situation Report 4
Oct. 5, 2024 - Situaiton Report 5
Oct. 6, 2024 - Situation Report 6
Oct. 7, 2024 - Situation Report 7
Oct. 8, 2024 - Situation Report 8
Oct. 9, 2024 - Situation Report 9
Oct. 10, 2024 - Situation Report 10
Oct. 11, 2024 - Situation Report 11

• Do you need transportation to move livestock from a damaged or flooded area?
Contact FACCT or your local UT/TSU Extension Office. You can also contact your local emergency management agency as they can activate a Disaster Animal Response Team to assist.

• Do you need a place to temporarily house livestock?
Contact your local emergency management agency as they may have sheltering options in their county emergency plans.

• Do you have missing livestock?
Notify your local emergency management and law enforcement agencies, as well as animal control. It may also be helpful to contact your local UT/TSU Extension Office, Co-Op, and/or other area farm stores as those agencies and businesses may have received reports of found animals.

• Unless you are skilled with handling that species, DO NOT approach. Loose livestock may be scared or injured and can unintentionally hurt a human if not managed appropriately.

• Note the location and contact your local emergency management and law enforcement agencies, as well as animal control.  

• If you are skilled with handling that species, please use your best judgement and err on the side of caution. If you have facilities to contain the animal(s) and keep them separated from your own, consider containment while maintaining your safety as the top priority. Whether contained or left loose, note the location and contact your local emergency management and law enforcement agencies, as well as animal control.

• It may also be helpful to contact your local UT/TSU Extension Office, Co-Op, and/or other area farm stores as those agencies and businesses may have received reports of lost animals.