NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health is urging Tennesseans to take extra precautions when returning to flood- or storm-damaged homes or businesses. Conditions left by severe weather damage can pose a risk of injury or illness.

“We understand how important it is for people whose homes or businesses have been damaged to return as soon as possible to collect belongings and begin repair work, and we want to make sure they do it safely to avoid further deaths and injuries,” said State Epidemiologist Tim F. Jones, MD.

Bledsoe, Cocke, Johnson, McMinn, Monroe and Rhea added to declaration

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced today the federal government has approved six additional counties to receive federal assistance as a result of the severe storms, flash flooding and tornadoes that struck the state April 25 through April 28, 2011.

Initial counties to include Dyer, Lake, Shelby and Stewart

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today asked President Barack Obama to authorize emergency funding of $10 million to assist the state and local jurisdictions with evacuation preparedness and activities in West Tennessee due to flooding that began April 21, 2011, a result of the record rainfall on the Mississippi, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers.

 Two Tenn. Deaths Attributed to Improper Use

NASHVILLE – It was recently reported by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency that two individuals succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning due to improper use of a generator. In the aftermath of recent tornadoes and with flooding predicted for more areas of the state, the Tennessee Department of Health reminds residents of the importance of taking precautions to stay safe from illness and injury. Thousands of Tennesseans lost electrical service to their homes and businesses due to severe weather, and many are still without power.