EMA Conducting Damage Assessments After Winter Storm Fern

Robertson County residents encouraged to report storm damage through TEMA survey

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

The Robertson County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has begun conducting damage assessments in coordination with state and federal partners following the impacts of Winter Storm Fern last month. The assessments are an important step in documenting the overall impact of the storm and determining eligibility for potential disaster assistance. Residents whose homes or properties sustained damage are encouraged to report it through a TEMA survey, while houses of worship are also eligible to receive FEMA Public Assistance for certain uninsured or underinsured expenses.

Why it matters

The damage assessments will help emergency management leaders better understand the type and extent of damage communities experienced from Winter Storm Fern, which caused widespread power outages and impassable roadways for over a week. This information is crucial for identifying potential recovery needs and accessing state and federal disaster assistance.

The details

According to EMA officials, the damage assessments involve surveying private homes, properties, and houses of worship that were impacted by the storm. The TEMA survey, which can be completed online in just a few minutes, helps state and local officials collect data on the type and extent of damage. While submitting the survey does not guarantee financial assistance, it plays an important role in the assessment process.

  • Winter Storm Fern occurred last month.
  • The Robertson County EMA began conducting damage assessments in coordination with state and federal partners.

The players

Robertson County EMA

The local emergency management agency leading the damage assessment efforts in coordination with state and federal partners.

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)

The state agency that has created a survey for residents to report storm-related damage, which is an important part of the assessment process.

FEMA

The federal agency that can provide public assistance funding for eligible, uninsured or underinsured expenses incurred by houses of worship in declared disaster areas.

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What they’re saying

“We appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation as crews work to evaluate storm impacts across the county. Stay safe and continue to use caution as recovery efforts continue.”

— Robertson County EMA (Facebook post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The damage assessments conducted by the Robertson County EMA are a crucial step in documenting the impacts of Winter Storm Fern and determining eligibility for state and federal disaster assistance. By encouraging residents and houses of worship to report damage, the EMA can better understand the full scope of the storm's effects and identify the resources needed to support the community's recovery.