NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — With Nashville and Middle Tennessee bracing for anticipated snow Tuesday and Wednesday, Metro Social Services has activated its winter weather plan to better provide services to vulnerable populations.
Most of Metro Social Services’ clients include individuals and families in Davidson County that are battling multiple socioeconomic barriers. Many lack transportation or ample finances to adequately support themselves, or are managing mental health and medical challenges, according to the department.
Ahead of the anticipated inclement weather, the department announced it had activated its winter weather plan, including taking certain precautions to ensure clients stay safe and stable during the snowstorm.
Regular & Snow Meal Delivery
This service, according to Metro Social Services (MSS), is specifically for homebound clients in congregate homes and private residences. Clients typically include seniors and those who are disabled, according to MSS.
Weekly, MSS delivers 733 meals by Home Ambassadors as part of regular service. Snow meal boxes were also delivered to current clients to carry them through the snow event, should the snow impact their access to food. These boxes can last up to one week, according to MSS, and the food inside them does not require electricity to open or prepare.
Senior Welfare Calls: Level 2
Launched in the fall of 2024, this service is available to all MSS senior and disabled clients—homebound or not.
Social workers called senior and disabled clients to check on them. In addition to their general wellbeing, staff asked more weather-specific questions, like if they needed medications refilled before the storm or if their heating systems were working properly. If they had a need, MSS staff was dispatched to immediately address the need.
Urgent Home Visits
MSS staff conducted two urgent home visits, officials said in a release. This service is available to all clients, including the homebound, should they have any urgent need. The two visits conducted Tuesday were for clients who had “various critical needs” ahead of the storm.
Indigent Burials
This long-standing service by MSS on Wednesdays is for those who passed away without the financial means to pay for burial costs or those who have not had a loved one to claim their remains. Because of the pending storm, the Wednesday, Feb. 19, indigent burial services are canceled.
Communication with OEM
MSS Executive Director Renee Pratt has been in close communication with Nashville Office of Emergency Management Chief Swann monitoring the winter weather event, the department said. Additionally, Pratt has directed MSS department leadership to monitor the weather and follow the usual protocol of working closely with staff and other departments to ensure the safety of Nashville residents.
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