Severe Weather Alert, A Life Saved in the Cold (&) Remembering the Ice Storm of 2015

ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – Milk and Bread!! Robertson County is bracing for a major winter weather event starting Friday evening and lasting through Sunday. Forecasters are increasingly confident that the area will see significant snowfall—potentially over 6 inches—along with possible sleet or freezing rain. The heaviest snow is expected Saturday into Sunday morning, with temperatures staying below freezing through Tuesday.

While the storm will impact all of Middle Tennessee, travelers should be cautious, as hazardous conditions could extend across the state. If you’re in Robertson County, prepare ahead of time: stock up on essentials like food, water, medications, and ensure you have warm clothing. If you need to drive, prepare your vehicle with blankets or chains, and be ready for possible power outages. Stay indoors during the worst of the storm.

Smokey Barn News spoke with Robertson County EMS Director Brent Dyer. “As we prepare for an approaching severe winter storm, we want to assure our community that Emergency Medical Services, along with our public safety partners, are actively preparing to respond and remain operational throughout the event.

Severe winter weather can create hazardous conditions, including icy roads, reduced visibility, power outages, and delayed response times. Your preparation can make a critical difference in keeping yourself, your family, and our responders safe.

We urge all residents to take the following steps now: Avoid unnecessary travel once the storm begins. If you must travel, inform someone of your plans and carry emergency supplies. Prepare an emergency kit that includes medications, water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, blankets, and a charged mobile phone. Ensure that prescription medications and medical equipment supplies are sufficient for several days. People who use home oxygen should ensure their emergency backup tanks are full and ready. Dialysis patients may need to plan ahead for how they will get to their treatment centers. Check on elderly neighbors, individuals with disabilities, and those who may need assistance. Use alternative heating sources safely and never operate generators or grills indoors. For homes using gas logs as backup heat sources, we recommend using a carbon monoxide detector in the home and ensuring proper ventilation of fireplaces. Call 911 only for true emergencies. For non-emergency needs, please use local non-emergency numbers or community resources. Before staying out in the snow too long or clearing a driveway, we remind those with underlying medical conditions to be careful, as cold weather can increase heart attack risk.

Our EMS personnel will remain on duty, though hazardous conditions may impact response times. We are staffing additional personnel in White House and Springfield, with a paramedic supervisor in a 4×4 vehicle assigned during the worst weather. We will have an extra resupply of oxygen in case of extended power outages. EMS will also assist healthcare partners in ensuring hospital staff can arrive safely.

No matter how much snow falls, emergencies will happen, and we must care for our community. Our ambulances are equipped with all-terrain tires and IV fluid warmers. In past storms, we’ve coordinated with TDOT snow plows to escort ambulances if needed.

We will continue monitoring conditions and provide updates. Please follow Smokey Barn News for accurate information. Stay safe and prepared.”

Blake Pierce, Director
Robertson County Emergency Management Agency

“Robertson County residents, as we closely monitor the potential impacts of upcoming winter weather, I want to assure you that Robertson County Emergency Management Agency, along with our local and state partners, is fully prepared and actively planning to respond.

Our Emergency Operations Center is in regular communication with the National Weather Service, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, local law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, highway crews, and utility providers. Equipment, personnel, and resources are being readied to address road conditions, power outages, and any weather-related emergencies that may arise.

While our teams are prepared, your personal readiness is just as important. I encourage all residents to take the following steps now:

• Monitor trusted weather sources and official county communications.

• Prepare an emergency kit with food, water, medications, flashlights, and batteries.

• Ensure vehicles are winter-ready and avoid unnecessary travel during hazardous conditions.

• Check on elderly neighbors, family members, and those with special needs.

• Have a plan in place in case of power outages or school and business closures.

Our top priority is the safety of Robertson County residents. As conditions develop, we will provide timely and accurate updates through official EMA and county channels.

Please stay weather-aware, stay prepared, and stay safe.”

As a community, we know that weather emergencies aren’t just handled by first responders—sometimes, citizens step up in crucial moments. Such was the case this past Tuesday, when temperatures plunged to a frigid 14 degrees in Robertson County. In that biting cold, one resident’s fall could have become tragic—but a Good Samaritan’s act made all the difference.

“At 9:11 AM, a Good Samaritan called 911 for an injured person lying along the roadway in the 6000 block of Hwy 161. Robertson EMS responded from the Cedar Hill station and arrived within 15 minutes. Even with an emergency response on dry roads, reaching rural areas can take time. In this case, the Good Samaritan’s willingness to stop may have prevented a much worse outcome.

A man in his early 50s had gone out briefly to feed his dog when he fell and fractured his lower leg. In just sweatpants, a T-shirt, and barefoot, he crawled to the highway, lying on the freezing ground for 30 to 45 minutes. Thankfully, a passerby noticed him, called 911, and even covered him with her coat. Thanks to her kindness and the EMS response, the man was rewarmed and treated. Without her, it could have been far worse. I want to thank that Good Samaritan for likely saving his life. We hope to recognize her soon—excellent job!”

Of course! In the days ahead, Smokey Barn News will be in close contact with county officials, carefully monitoring the situation. As updates become available, we will promptly provide accurate information to keep the community informed and prepared.

HISTORY:

Do you remember the ice storm of 2015? Conditions were so severe in Robertson County that the CBS Evening News opened with a photo of the Robertson County Courthouse taken by Smokey Barn News. We have added the CBS video report below.

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