WASHINGTON, DC (WGNS News) - As the arctic blast tightens its hold on Tennessee, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn is urging residents to take the dangerous conditions seriously. After speaking with mayors across the state, Blackburn said local leaders believe communities made it through the first wave of the storm, but the most hazardous stretch may still be ahead.

“We hear the roads are treacherous… The next couple of days are going to be incredibly dangerous,” she said, emphasizing that travel should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. “I encourage everyone to stay home, stay safe, stay warm, stay off the roads. Do not get out unless it is absolutely necessary.”

Blackburn noted that counties across Tennessee have opened warming centers and shelters, and that local emergency officials are working closely with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency as temperatures plunge and ice continues to accumulate. Rutherford County, like much of Middle Tennessee, remains locked below freezing, with little opportunity for thawing in the coming days.

Rutherford County Warming Centers

For Men
First Baptist Church
200 E. Main St., Murfreesboro
Men should use the entrance at Vine St. and Academy St.

For Women
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
115 N. Academy St., Murfreesboro
Women should use the Academy St. entrance at College St.

For Families with Children
The Salvation Army
1137 W. Main St., Murfreesboro
This location serves families needing shelter and warmth.

These centers typically offer warm space, basic supplies, and a safe place to stay during dangerously cold conditions.

Alongside safety warnings, Blackburn highlighted the federal resources available when winter storms cause significant damage. While a statewide federal disaster declaration has not yet been issued, the process begins at the local level. Residents who experience storm‑related damage—such as burst pipes, structural issues, or prolonged power outages—should document everything with photos, keep receipts for repairs, and report losses to their county emergency management office. Those reports help determine whether Tennessee qualifies for FEMA Individual Assistance or Public Assistance.

If a federal declaration is approved, storm victims can apply for FEMA help online, by phone, or through the FEMA app. Assistance may cover temporary housing, home repairs, and other essential needs not covered by insurance. Blackburn encouraged Tennesseans to stay in close contact with local officials so they can be notified immediately if federal aid becomes available.

For now, she said, the priority is survival and safety. “Our mayors have warming stations open. Tennessee Emergency Management is working on the situation,” she said, urging residents to check on neighbors, especially seniors and those without reliable heat.