Knox County Rural Metro preparing for downed trees, water rescues ahead of heavy rains

POWELL, Tenn. (WATE) — Station 36 is one of the busiest Rural Metro stations in Knox County . As more storms approach, 6 News spoke to the Captain at 36 about the types of calls they respond to during weather events and how people can stay safe.

Firefighters at Station 36 are embracing the calm before the upcoming storms. Large amounts of rain are expected to fall over the next two days and high winds are coming to our area later in the week. Captain Dustin Perrin told 6 News what calls are the most frequent during storms.

“Downed trees on power lines, that’s pretty common. Vehicles stuck in high water is another one we run pretty often,” Captain Perrin said. “We also a ton of fire alarms, just this weather seems to be setting off fire alarms at homes and at businesses around town.”

Car crashes are also a common call during weather events. Perrin has a few tips for those who are out driving during heavy rain events.

“Don’t drive through the water obviously,” Perrin said. “Make sure that you’re watching your speed on the road ways and just look out for each other.”

He added that looking out for each other is something big in the firefighting community and is something he hopes people take hold of.

“Looking out for each other is kind of a number one rule within our industry. We always take care of each other and watch each other’s backs,” Perrin said. “That’s really something the community could take from us as well, keep an eye out for your fellow man.”

It’s important to remember the adage ‘turn around, don’t drown.’ Perrin also said for people to be mindful of downed trees and power lines as these storms move through our area.

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