Sevier County Emergency Management Agency

10/29/2026

We’re out at Pigeon Forge Safety Day! Our agency is proud to join other public safety agencies in educating the community on a variety of important safety topics. Our team is here sharing information and raising awareness about HAZMAT safety.

A big THANK YOU to Pigeon Forge Fire Department for hosting such a great event and bringing everyone together!

10/28/2026

🌟 Employee Spotlight: Megan Keefer 🌟

We’re excited to celebrate Megan Keefer, a dedicated medicolegal death investigator who has served the Sevier County Medical Examiner’s Office since 2021.

Megan brings an educational foundation in nursing and forensic anthropology from Pikes Peak State College, experience as a former EMT-IV, and ongoing studies toward her Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science at Arizona State University. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (D-ABMDI), a member of the Society of Medicolegal Death Investigators (SOMDI), and has completed advanced professional training through Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Her training in Critical Incident Stress Management and Debriefing through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) further strengthens her ability to serve individuals and families with compassion during difficult circumstances.

Megan’s compassion, professionalism, and commitment to continued education and professional growth make her an incredible asset to our team.
We’re proud to spotlight her this month — thank you, Megan, for everything you bring to Sevier County.

Mortui Vivos Docent — the dead teach the living.

10/20/2026

The Sevier County Health Department will offer free flu shots today, Tuesday, October 20, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Health Department, located at 719 Middle Creek Road in Sevierville.

The flu vaccine is recommended annually for everyone six months of age and older and is one of the most effective ways to help prevent the flu and reduce the risk of serious illness.

The flu virus can spread easily from person to person, particularly during the fall and winter months. The Health Department encourages residents to take steps to help prevent the spread of illness, including washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick.

No appointment is necessary.

For additional information, contact the Sevier County Health Department at (865) 453-1032

10/15/2026

Burn permits are now required for outdoor burning and will be required through May 15.

If you plan to burn leaves, brush, or other natural vegetation, you must first obtain a free burn permit from the Tennessee Division of Forestry at www.BurnSafeTN.org or through the MyTN mobile app.

Burn permits are issued only when conditions are safe for outdoor burning. Only natural vegetation may be burned. Burning household trash, construction debris, and other materials is prohibited.

Residents who live within city limits should check with their municipality before burning, as local requirements may vary.

10/14/2026

10/12/2026

We want to extend our sincere thanks to Blalock Ready Mix for donating concrete for our new weather tower!

This tower will help us collect valuable local weather data, including wind, temperature, rainfall, solar radiation, and soil moisture. This information will help us better understand local conditions, support fire preparedness by monitoring how dry the landscape is, and improve weather monitoring and support flood warnings.

Blalock Ready Mix has been a great partner in disaster preparedness and response in Sevier County and we're grateful for their continued support. Strong community partnerships like this help us prepare and respond to emergencies and keep our community safe.

Thank you, Blalock Ready Mix, for being a valued partner in keeping Sevier County prepared!

10/10/2026

This update indicates a little less rainfall than previous forecasts. Moderate rainfall is expected at times today in the Tennessee Valley, spreading to the north. Isolated Flash flooding remains possible, with the southern portions of the area having the highest rainfall amounts and the greatest threat of flooding.

10/10/2026

10/09/2026

Hurricane Isaias Update | October 9, 2026 | 3:45 PM

Sevier County emergency personnel met today at the new Sevier County Public Safety Center for a weather briefing with the National Weather Service to prepare for the expected impacts of the remnants of Hurricane Isaias.

Strong winds are the primary concern for Sevier County, with impacts expected to begin overnight and continue through Saturday.

A High Wind Warning is in effect for the mountains from midnight tonight through 8:00 AM Sunday. Wind gusts of 60 mph or higher are possible across the mountains and foothills, with gusts of 30 to 40 mph possible elsewhere in the county. Gusts up to 70 mph are possible in warned areas.

The strongest winds are expected Saturday morning into the afternoon. These conditions could bring down trees and power lines, cause widespread power outages, and make travel difficult. Heavy rainfall is also expected Saturday morning, and isolated flash flooding is possible.

Winds are expected to gradually diminish Sunday, although gusty conditions may continue in the mountains.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to prepare now:

• Secure outdoor items. Bring in or firmly secure patio furniture, trash cans, decorations, and anything else that could be blown around by strong winds.

• Prepare for power outages. Charge phones and other essential devices. Keep flashlights, extra batteries, and necessary supplies readily available.

• Stay away from trees and power lines. Never approach a downed power line. Report hazards to the appropriate utility or emergency officials.

• Use caution when traveling. Strong crosswinds can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Avoid unnecessary travel during the strongest winds.

• Be alert for flooding. Never drive through water covering a roadway. Turn around and find another route.

• Stay informed. Monitor weather forecasts and official Sevier County updates. Make sure weather alerts are enabled on your phone.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through CodeRED at https://sevierema.org.

Sevier County EMA and emergency response partners will continue monitoring conditions and sharing updates as needed. Taking time to prepare now can help protect you, your family, and your property.

For emergencies, call 911.

10/06/2026

We’re happy to be out at the Sevierville Police Department’s National Night Out!

Events like this are a great opportunity to connect with our community, build relationships, and strengthen the trust between our public safety agencies and the people we serve. We’re grateful to be part of such a great evening and to have the chance to meet and talk with our community!