MT. JULIET, Tenn. — As severe weather threatens Middle Tennessee this week, Mt. Juliet officials are urging residents to be prepared and have a plan in place. The warning comes one month after the community remembered the lives lost during the devastating 2020 tornado, which hit the area with tragic force.
Starting on April 2, a new round of severe weather is expected to impact the region, continuing throughout the week. With memories of the 2020 disaster still fresh, local officials are emphasizing the importance of storm readiness.
“Since 2020, there has been a significant increase in storm preparedness across the community,” said Richard Frankich, the administrative services manager for the Mt. Juliet Police Department. Frankich noted that many homeowners have since invested in storm shelters to protect their families.
“These shelters are stable, secure, and resistant to storm damage, making them an ideal refuge during severe weather,” Frankich said. “We’ve seen more and more families taking this step to safeguard their homes and loved ones.”
With the growing popularity of storm shelters, Frankich has urged residents to register their shelters with the Mt. Juliet Police Department (MJPD). He explained that this information is vital for first responders, allowing them to quickly locate homes with registered shelters in case of an emergency.
“By registering, we can easily identify which homes have storm shelters and know where to look when we’re responding to a storm,” Frankich said. “Knowing the exact location of shelters helps first responders reach those in need more effectively.”
In the aftermath of the 2020 tornado, the need for a community-wide storm shelter became clear. Frankich reflected on the possibility of even greater devastation had the storm’s path shifted slightly to the north, which could have destroyed the current police headquarters and the dispatch center.
“Had the storm tracked just a mile further north, it could have wiped out our police headquarters and dispatch center, leaving us without vital communication during the disaster,” Frankich said.
To prevent such a scenario in the future, a new police headquarters is under construction, which will include a tornado bunker for both the department and the community. This facility will provide a safe place for residents to take shelter during severe weather events.
“When storms hit, our doors will be open to the public,” Frankich assured. “We’ll provide a safe refuge for anyone who needs it during a storm.”
Residents are also encouraged to stay informed by subscribing to the city’s text alert program. By texting “MJ” to 67283, residents will receive timely updates and alerts about severe weather, ensuring they are prepared and able to take action when necessary.
As Mt. Juliet continues to strengthen its storm preparedness efforts, local officials are hopeful that the community’s proactive approach will help mitigate the risks of severe weather and provide a sense of security in the face of unpredictable storms.
