NASHVILLE, Tenn. – At the request of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, more than 280 Soldiers and Airmen with the Tennessee National Guard continue to support state, county, and local emergency responders in 10 counties across Tennessee following Winter Storm Fern.

In Davidson County, nearly 190 Soldiers and Airmen are organized into 3-4 person “Cut and Toss” teams, primarily clearing trees so Nashville Electric Services can access downed and damaged powerlines and restore power. National Guardsmen are partnered with NES and other state and local agencies where they utilize skid steers and chainsaws to assist with the removal of trees and debris impeding NES linemen.

Guardsmen perform similar missions in 9 other counties that include Davidson, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Macon, McNairy, Perry, Shelby, and Wayne. These National Guardsmen have partnered with their respective county Emergency Management Agencies and the U.S. and Tennessee Forestry Services to open roadways and restore power to Tennesseans.

In Perry County, Soldiers with Chattanooga’s 35th Division Sustainment Brigade also continue to perform health and welfare checks and are assisting at a local warming shelter.

Since the storm began, Tennessee National Guardsmen cleared debris from more than 650 miles of road throughout the state, performed health and welfare checks at over 290 locations, assisted at 6 warmer centers and shelters, transported nearly 300 medical personnel to area hospitals, and rescued over 260 stranded motorists.

The Tennessee National Guard responds to emergencies at the request and direction of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. Should anyone need assistance, please make that request through TEMA.