We’ve all heard the saying “you ain’t seen nothin yet”. Well that applies to tonight’s bitter cold temperatures – even colder than most areas have experienced before in the Upper Cumberlands.  Crossville temps are expected to fall to -4 below zero absolute temperature (not feel  like).  It is critical that all residents have alternative heat sources lined up if you heat exclusively with electricity in case of power outages.  It is critical that residents who  use electric medical equipment have a backup power supply. But it is also critical that you do not use heat sources that could cause a house fire or generate carbon monoxide poisoning in your house.

If you have no backup heat sources or generators or if you are homeless there are warming shelters nearby. Is is critical you have provisions for pets to stay warm too.  Bread of Life Mission 281 4th Street in Crossville is available along with Cumberland Fellowship Warehouse Building on West 608 Avenue in Crossville. In the event of major widespread and long lasting power outages, the Community Complex will open IF there is power on there. The area school gymnasiums will be opened as warming shelters if there is electricity at those locations for long term and widespread outages – otherwise the Good Samaritan building on 10th street will be opened as a warming shelter.  Some have suggested Cumberland County should have more warming shelters available during this critical weather event.