Office of Emergency Management

Disaster Declarations

The Mayor's Office of Emergency Management is the Metro agency that is responsible for applying for state and federal grants that are available to cities for disaster recovery efforts. Since OEM was established in 1992, Nashville Davidson County has incurred seven federal disaster declarations, and recouped millions of dollars in federal and state funding for damages and costs.

 

Nashville Federal Disaster Declarations

  • Tornado damage, April 7, 2006
  • Severe Weather Damage, May 2003
  • Severe Weather Damage, June 2000
  • Tornado Damage, May 5, 1999
  • Tornado Damage, April 16, 1998
  • Flooding, March 1997
  • Ice Storm Damage, 1994
**Record High Tornadoes in 2004

In 2004, the total number of tornadoes reported in the United States reached a record high of 1,717, but storm-related fatalities were limited to 35 - a rate emergency responders credit with timely watches and warnings, and a strong partnership with emergency managers and media to convey that information to the general public.

**Source: FEMA

Environmental signs of a tornado may include dark clouds, large hail and a loud roaring sound. During severe weather, pay close attention to weather reports on the radio and television. Also, Nashville has 70 outdoor early warning system sirens scattered across the city to warn people who are outside of possible tornadoes. Learn more about the Outdoor Early Warning System and how to prepare for a tornado and other emergencies, by clicking Family Preparedness.