Schools, Utilities and Emergency Services Prepare for Winter Weather Agencies across the Upper Cumberland ready crews, equipment and staffing

January 23, 2026
by Sr Reporter Laura Militana, Reporter Paula Tudor, Reporter Maryleigh Bucher

As winter weather approaches, public agencies across the Upper Cumberland say preparations are in place to respond to power outages, road conditions and emergency needs.


Schools and Universities Prepare

Putnam County Schools have 13 snow days built into the calendar, with two already used this year.

“In ideal situations, we can make calls on snow days the night before we close, but unfortunately, the weather and forecasts don’t always cooperate,” said Corby King, director of Putnam County Schools.

School officials aim to notify families of early morning closings by 5:30 a.m. through the school system’s website, social media pages and local media outlets. Phone calls and text messages are scheduled to go out at 6 a.m.

“We will do our best to communicate changes as quickly as possible. I encourage families to have a plan ready.”
 — Corby King, Director of Putnam County Schools
Tennessee Tech University has outlined plans to maintain essential services. Facilities crews are pre-treating roads and sidewalks, and the university recently added a redundant electrical utility feed to serve as a backup.

A decision regarding a campus closure for Monday will be made no later than noon Sunday. Residence halls and dining services will remain operational if campus closes.


Utilities on Standby Across the Region

Power outages are considered likely, especially if ice develops.

Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation encourages residents to charge devices, prepare emergency kits and plan for medical needs that require electricity.

Cookeville Energy Department Director Carl Haney said crews and equipment are ready.

“These last few days we are making sure trucks and equipment are ready and we will be operating our Emergency Operations Center during the event,” Haney said.

Five electric crews will be available, along with additional substation, engineering and administrative staff. All 48 electric employees and 19 gas employees will be on standby.

“Safety is always our number one priority. Cold and fatigue are real challenges for crews during storms.”
 — Carl Haney, Cookeville Energy Department
Residents who rely on medical equipment are encouraged to notify the department in advance.


Emergency Services Ready to Respond

Putnam County Fire Department crews will have additional personnel on call. Fire Chief Jeff Hicks emphasized the risk of carbon monoxide during power outages.

“It’s tasteless and odorless,” Hicks said. “Please check to make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors work.”

“Carbon monoxide is tasteless and odorless. Make sure your detectors are working.”
 — Jeff Hicks, Putnam County Fire Chief
Putnam County EMS Director Tommy Copeland said extra ambulances and staffing will be available.

“Be proactive and get your medicine and doctor’s appointments taken care of before the storm hits,” Copeland said.


CALL-OUT BOX


SCHOOL & CAMPUS DECISIONS

What Families Should Expect

• Putnam County Schools aim to notify by 5:30 a.m.
 • Calls and texts go out at 6 a.m.
 • Tennessee Tech decision by noon Sunday
 • Residence halls and dining remain operational if campus closes


SCHOOLS & UNIVERSITIES

Putnam County Schools

  • 13 snow days built into calendar

  • 2 already used

  • Notification goal: by 5:30 a.m.

  • Calls & texts sent at 6:00 a.m.

  • Updates via website, social & local media

Families are encouraged to have a plan ready.

Tennessee Tech University

  • Roads & sidewalks pre-treated

  • Backup electrical feed added

  • Closure decision by noon Sunday

  • Residence halls & dining remain open if campus closes


UTILITIES ON STANDBY

What to Expect

  • Power outages possible, especially with ice

  • Ice can bring down trees & power lines

Crews Ready

  • 5 electric crews available

  • 48 electric + 19 gas employees on standby

  • Emergency Operations Center activated

Before the Storm

  • Charge devices

  • Prepare emergency kits

  • Notify utilities if you rely on medical equipment


EMERGENCY SERVICES PREPARING

Fire Department

  • Additional personnel on call

  • Carbon monoxide risk increases during outages

  • Check smoke & CO detectors

EMS

  • Extra ambulances available

  • Increased staffing

  • Get medications & appointments handled early


WHAT FAMILIES SHOULD KNOW

  • Roads may worsen after precipitation ends

  • Temperatures expected to stay below freezing

  • Conditions may change quickly — stay alert

  • Follow local updates and emergency guidance

Additional coverage here outlines safety steps residents should take and where help is available if conditions worsen.





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