Hurricane Preparedness in East Tennessee: What You Need to Know

When most people think of hurricanes, East Tennessee isn’t the first place that comes to mind. But while we may not experience the direct impact of a Category 4 storm, the remnants of hurricanes can still bring serious weather to our region — including high winds, flash flooding, and extended power outages.

At McCay Southern, we believe in being prepared for whatever Mother Nature sends our way. Here’s how you can get ready before the next major storm makes its way inland.

1. Understand How Hurricanes Affect East Tennessee

Even though we’re hundreds of miles from the coast, East Tennessee often feels the aftereffects of hurricanes as they move inland. Heavy rain and strong winds can lead to downed trees, road closures, and widespread power outages — sometimes lasting days.

Communities across Athens, Cleveland, Riceville, and the surrounding areas have all seen how vulnerable our electrical grid can be during severe weather. Having a plan in place ensures your family stays safe and comfortable when the lights go out.

2. Create a Home Emergency Kit

Every home should have a well-stocked emergency kit ready before a storm hits. Include:

• Water: One gallon per person per day (for at least three days)

• Non-perishable food and a manual can opener

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• First-aid supplies and prescription medications

• Portable phone chargers or power banks

• Important documents sealed in waterproof bags

If you rely on electric-powered medical devices, be sure to have a backup power solution in place — this is where a home standby generator can make all the difference.

3. Secure Your Home and Property

Strong winds and heavy rainfall can cause major property damage. Before a storm arrives:

• Trim trees and remove loose branches near your home

• Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and equipment

• Clear gutters and drains to prevent flooding

• Check sump pumps and backup systems

Small steps like these can help minimize storm damage and reduce cleanup afterward.

4. Plan for Power Outages

Power outages are one of the biggest challenges after tropical storms and hurricanes. In East Tennessee, many homes experience outages that last from several hours to several days.

A Generac home standby generator, installed by McCay Southern, automatically powers your home the moment the grid goes down — keeping your lights, refrigerator, HVAC, and essential systems running smoothly. You won’t have to worry about refueling or rolling out a portable unit in the rain; it all happens automatically.

5. Stay Informed

Keep a close eye on weather alerts and updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency management. Sign up for notifications from your utility company and make sure family members know the emergency plan.

Peace of Mind Starts with Preparation

At McCay Southern, we’re proud to help East Tennesseans stay protected and powered — no matter what the forecast looks like. From professional installation to ongoing maintenance, we’re your trusted local partner for Generac generators and energy preparedness.

If you’d like to learn more about protecting your home from unexpected outages, contact our team today. We’ll help you find the right generator for your needs and budget — so you can focus on what matters most when storms roll in.

📞 Call us at (423) 455-5336🌐 Visit mccaysouthern.com💬 Follow us on Facebook for weather tips and updates