Being prepared

I have mentioned here before that I feel like most families should have a 72 pack ready in case they need to leave home fast. The fires in Gatlinberg and the Chemical Fire in Murfreesboro are two clear and local examples of finding yourself having to leave your house fast.

This year for Xmas my wife and I received from my inlaws 2 well made pre-packaged 72 hour kits. I thought I would share them here so you can see what they look like.

Here is how they come packaged. This is an Emergency Essentials Personal 72-Hour Emergency Kit with MREs. I am not going to link to it so you don't think I am going to get referral money. Just do a basic google search for it if you are interested.

When you open the box, right on top is a backpack to put it all in.

Below is what resides under the backpack.

Laid out so you can get a better idea of the items, (List included at bottom)

Here are the backpacks (we had two boxes) fully loaded and ready to go, and hopefully never be needed.

Official list from the main website.

(9) - MRE Entrée
(9) - MRE Side Dish
(9) - Water Pouch
(3) - Hand & Body Warmer
(1) - Emergency Poncho
(1) - Emergency Blanket
(1) - Tube Tent
(1) - Waterproof Matches
(9) - Utensil & Accessory Pack
(9) - MRE Heater
(1) - Whistle with Lanyard
(1) - Lightstick
(1) - 100-Hour Candle
(1) - Toilet Paper
(1) - One person First Aid Kit
(1) - Disposable Toothbrush
(1) - Small Bar Soap
(1) - Disposable Razor
(3) - Sanitary Napkin
(1) - Comb
(1) - Tissue Pack
(1) - Large Backpack

Now there are already many things my wife and I feel need to be added for us specifically. I like the candle, but would rather have a good flashlight, I think a basic pocketknife is needed, and my wife wants a radio for each. We also say several pairs of socks, and a spare shirt/shorts are needed. The basic idea is that you use this to build on.

This pack costs $69.99, and if you look around you might find one cheaper or one that suits you better.

Smyrna public library for youth in January

SPD

RECOGNIZE THESE THEFT SUSPECTS?
On 12/22/16, the two pictured suspects stole several electronics items from Walmart. They were seen leaving in a gray, 4 - door sedan. Anyone who may be able to identify either of these suspects is asked to contact Det. Rick Hall at (615) 267-5012.

The words of love

Way ahead, but it gives you time to make plans. I'll post a reminder a week or so ahead of time.

Help the SPD

THEFT SUSPECTS - NEED IDENTIFICATION
The pictured male and female stole a ripstick, scooter, drone, and Mebo robot (totaling $533) from Wal-Mart. They were seen leaving in a gray four door sedan, possibly a Nissan Sentra, that currently has a small spare tire on the right front wheel.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Det. Rick Hall at (615) 267-5012.

Help!

What does the following groups have in common?

Historic Sam Davis Home and Plantation
Sam Davis Lodge #661 Free and Accepted Masons
Friends of Smyrna Library
Smyrna Lions Club
Rotary Club Smyrna, TN
Smyrna, TN Parks and Recreation
Smyrna-LaVergne Food Bank
Town of Smyrna, TN - Local Government does not have any upcoming events.

On their individual facebook pages under events, they have pretty much the same message.

Historic Sam Davis Home and Plantation does not have any upcoming events.
Sam Davis Lodge #661 Free and Accepted Masons does not have any upcoming events.
Friends of Smyrna Library does not have any upcoming events.
Smyrna Lions Club does not have any upcoming events.
Rotary Club Smyrna, TN does not have any upcoming events.
Smyrna, TN Parks and Recreation does not have any upcoming events.
Smyrna-LaVergne Food Bank does not have any upcoming events.
Town of Smyrna, TN - Local Government does not have any upcoming events.

We have entered the post holiday doldrums that I remember from last year. It really is a period where nothing is going on. Even the normal Linebaugh Public Library System, a place of great activities, only had three items listed, and one of them is just an alert that they will be closing for a day, and the other two are in Murfreesboro.

Maybe our dear neighbor LaVergne could save us over the next month. It is not much further than many points in Smyrna to visit.

While they do have some Jazzercise classes and a Zumba classes on their calendar, these are regular weekly events and not the BIG EVENTS that could save us from these barren days that stretch into the future.

So no. I have not stopped posting events here, there just isn't any events.

If you know of something going on please...oh please, message me so I can share.

Website Announcement

Just an FYI for the readers of This is Smyrna.

There is a good chance that in 4-5 months I will be moving to Murfreesboro (A small chance of Smyrna, but more likely Murfreesboro). If that happens I would like to find some people that would be willing to take over the two This is Smyrna facebook pages, the related This is Smyrna blogspot page, and I would transfer ownership of the ThisisSmyrnatn.com website (all this does is redirects to the blospot site) over to them.

This is just a forewarning so that I can hopefully find someone or some people to take over here.

If you feel like you would want to put a little time each week into the site and hopefully connect the people of Smyrna with local activities, please message me or email me at gunner(dot)c(dot)miller(at)gmail(dot)com

Thanks.

Show some love this holiday

A pet for the holidays is not for everyone. getting it because they're cute is nice, but please understand it has an emotional investment and a time investment. If you think you're up for the challenge of loving and giving a home to a furry creature (not your weird hairy uncle either), please look to PAWS as a means to that end.

If possible please look into their scratch and dent animals...my term. They need love as much as kitties and puppies. Some are older or have other issues, and they deserve a chance to love and be loved, as much as the little ones do.

Santa in Smyrna

Don't forget that on Friday, December 16 at 2 PM - 4 PM at the Linebaugh Public Library in Smyrna, Santa will be visiting with the kids

Alert Rutherford County

Here is the alert system for the county

Those signed up for Alert Rutherford received alerts for the hazmat situation this morning. If you haven't already, be sure to sign up today and set your custom settings for alerts weather, evacuations, and more: 

Alert Rutherford is a comprehensive emergency notification system that is capable of providing immediate emergency public information to any registered subscriber via a number of communications options. Each municipality as well as Rutherford County government has operational access to this important communications technology. Participants in Alert Rutherford have the ability to choose their individual preferences for what method of contact they want to be used and which types of notifications they wish to receive. In addition, various locations that the subscriber may want to be alerted to when the location is affected by an emergency can also be added to their profile settings. Registrants information is not disclosed for any purposes and is only utilized in emergency notifications. 

Weather Advisories - Severe weather alerts, such as a TORNADO WARNING, issued by the National Weather Service office are automatically fed to the Alert Rutherford system and then immediately forwarded to any registered subscriber located within the geographically defined warning area. Other categories of weather watches and warnings are also selectable by the Alert Rutherford subscriber. 

Evacuation Orders - Notifications from officials concerning actions recommended in an event such as a large fire or a chemical spill. 

Infrastructure Issues - Important information and/or instructions regarding their services that utility providers may wish to provide to affected customers in an emergency situation. 

Transportation Information - Emergency road closures and open alternate route details necessitated by any large scale event.
http://www.rcecd911.org/alertrutherford/

That was fast

This is my worry for you. A fast unplanned evacuation leaves you with no time to do it right. Most pharmacies will help cover you in a situation like this by supplying you with needed medicines.

“Because of the hurriedness of how we got out of the house, I did not grab any of my additional medicines,” Geenen said. “So if it lasts too long, I may be saying, ‘Can we get back in just for a few minutes?”

Nearby Chemical Spill

They're lucky and I would really like you to not have to depend on luck.

Just south of Murfreesboro in Rutherford county, right now there is a truck accident that is creating a 'plume' of dangerous, if not deadly, gas. They have called for a "shelter in place", stay inside and do not go out to expose yourself to the fumes.

I worry I will sound slightly like the guy that cried wolf when I say a family should have a 72 hour kit made up for each person. Some posts just turn people off...but I also know that we have I-24 running through the west side of town, and a railroad running through the heart of town, and that leaves a lot of chances for accidents like this to occur.

Two tractor trailer trucks crashed into one another on I-24 early Wednesday morning. One truck overturned at mile marker 87 and has created a hazmat situation. Evidently, the truck was hauling chlorine pool tablets. (NOTE: The 87 mile marker is between Joe B. Jackson Parkway and Buchanan exit). 

A five-mile stretch of the interstate has been blocked by the crash. The interstate will remain closed at this time (updated at 8:05AM). 

Rutherford County Emergency Management is asking nearby residents to shelter in place (see map for area). Officials are asking residents there to stay in doors, turn off HVAC heat and air and wait on officials to give an all clear.

The people informed to stay in place are relatively lucky, but they might have been asked to leave FAST...and chemical cleanups is not something you do fast.

On November 28th I posted about the need for having a pack due to the fires in Gatlinberg, and now we have a situation even closer to home. Please take the time for ease of mind, to put a small pack together for your own comfort. In an odd case of timing, I just did a post on taking care of your pets in an emergency less than 24 hours ago.

Thank you

Jammies and Stories in LaVergne

The same day the toddlers event happens in LaVergne, that evening they have an event for bedtime fun.

Jammies and Stories
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Can’t make it to storytime during the day? This is the storytime for you! Jammies and Stories takes place every Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. Children are welcome to come dressed in their jammies, so they are ready for bed when they get home. They may also bring their favorite bedtime toy, pillow, and blanket so they can settle in for a great bedtime story.

Date: December 15, 2016
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Library
Address: 5063 Murfreesboro Road
La Vergne, TN 37086
Cost: Free

Fun for the toddlers in your life

Another fun activity being held locally in LaVergne. For the toddlers in yourlife....rug rats...droolers....etc.

Little Treasures
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Birth to 24 months. Calling all infants and toddlers, 0-2 years old! Join us each Thursday for a fun time of songs, rhymes, puppets, stories and much more. Don’t forget to bring an adult with you so you can share the fun of books and the library. 

Date: December 15, 2016
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Library
Address: 5063 Murfreesboro RoadLa Vergne, TN 37086Cost: Free

Pets in an emergency

Many people in Middle Tennessee found they had to flee the fires recently and taking their pets were something they had to do for many reasons. The Red Cross has posted a good article about the people that had to flee.

“I told the police I wouldn’t leave unless I could take my dogs,” said Red Cross shelter resident Chuck Jenkins. He made this declaration when police officers urged him to evacuate as deadly wildfires bore down on and eventually destroyed his Maples Forge community and over 2000 additional structures in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It’s a declaration that disaster responders have heard many times. Pets become cherished members of families, and all too often people refuse to evacuate incredibly dangerous situations unless their pets go too. It’s a decision that can lead to tragic consequences.

They also have a nice page for those that like to take some simple actions now in case they do have to leave their homes.

Help the SPD

On 12/4/16 and 12/8/16 the below shown female(s) entered the Walmart store located at 570 Enon Springs Road in Smyrna. They filled their basket full of merchandise and proceeded to the self-check out station. On 12-4-16 they scanned $303.78 worth of merchandise, bagged their merchandise and left the store without paying. They left the parking lot in a turquoise colored Nissan Versa. On 12-8-16 they scanned $160.31 worth of merchandise, bagged the merchandise and walked out of the store without paying. They left the store in a white minivan. Anyone who may have information as to the identity of these individuals are asked to contact Detective Allan Nabours at (615) 267-5434.

Frozen

The Smyrna Public Library is hosting a Frozen party Thursday, December 15 at 6 PM - 7:30 PM

Come to the Smyrna Public Library for a fun time. There will be crafts, refreshments, music, and a special guest, Princess Anna!

Once Upon A Storytime in LaVergne x2

LaVergne events will be included here because they are as good a resource for family fun as ours....and free is always good. Here is one event happening two times...doubling the chances of going and having fun.

Once Upon A Storytime
Wednesday, December 13, 2016 AND December 14, 2016
Ages 2 and up This storytime focuses on early literacy through stories, songs, dancing, rhymes, fingerplays, and crafts. Come visit the Puppet House. Who knows who may show up there? 

Date: December 13, 2016 AND December 14, 2016
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Time Details: Tuesday and Wednesday storytimes are identical. Please attend any of them as your child’s schedule permits.
Location: Library
Address: 5063 Murfreesboro Road
La Vergne, TN 37086
Cost: Free

A HUD program you might like.

A local HUD (Housing and urban Development) program and a local group that serves the Smyrna and LaVergne area wants to get the word out about it.

Life of Victory is a HUD agency that serves Smyrna & LaVergne TN. We have helped 100s of struggling homeowners in Smyrna save there homes. An important community program is ending 12/30/16. We need help getting the word out. Thanks!  

This is a government program, and I have heard nothing about it, so this might be up your alley as something that could help you,

DEC. 30, 2016 MARKS THE END OF THE (HOME AFFORDABLE MODIFICATION PROGRAM) HAMP®, A SEVEN-YEAR GOVERNMENT PROGRAM DESIGNED TO HELP STRUGGLING HOMEOWNERS.
HAMP® (Home Affordable Modification Program) Features and Benefits:
HAMP achieves a more affordable payment by adjusting your interest rate, extending your term, and reducing or forbearing your principal.
Families who qualify for the HAMP program typically reduce their monthly payments by a median of $500 each month.
Through HAMP, you can get help with your primary residence or rental property.
If you owe significantly more than your home is worth (>115 Loan-To-Value), you’re automatically evaluated for principal reduction.
Just for making timely payments, you could earn up to $10,000, which would be used to reduce your principal balance.

The Magic of Santa

I know most children enjoy milk, cookies, and magic. This is something that should be a real winner for the family to enjoy. This is at the LaVergne Library and not the Smyrna library.

The Magic of Santa
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Fun magic show with magician Bruce Amato. Enjoy milk & cookies and a visit with Santa Claus! 

Date: December 10, 2016
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: Library
Address: 5063 Murfreesboro Road
La Vergne, TN 37086Cost: Free

Movie in a nearby park

While Smyrna has always had a good program with their Movies in the Park, I sadly have to say thta I never thought to look at LaVergne as a source for fun free family activities. Here is one that might interest you in this holiday season.

Drive-In Movie (Arthur Christmas)
Friday, December 9, 2016
Santa's clumsy son Arthur gets put on a mission with St. Nick's father to give out a present they misplaced to a young girl in less than 2 hours. [PG] 

Date: December 9, 2016
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Veterans Memorial Park
Address: 115 Floyd Mayfield Drive
La Vergne, TN 37086
Cost: Free

Free is good, I like free, I can afford free...and free is right next door. A true win.

Family Movie in Smyrna

The Smyrna public library is having their regular Family Movie on Saturday at 2 PM - 5 PM for those interested. They don't have the specific movie listed for this Saturdays event, but fun is fun.

MAGIC!!!!

Not the card game, but real magic for the whole family.

The event is scheduled for Saturday at 9:30 AM - 11 AM at the Linebaugh Public Library at 105 W. Vine St., Murfreesboro, Tennesse and all are welcome to attend.

Free Family Freindly Event! Come see the Amazing Abner Youth Magic Club's 3rd Anniversary show! With performances by Mongo the Magnificent, Jimbo Hooten, Gary Flegal, Noah Lamorte, Alan Fisher, and David Williams. Show begins at 9:30am.

Santa!!!!

This coming Friday and Saturday you can take your kids to see Santa.

Dec 09, 2016
Santa in the Courthouse
Santa will visit with children in the Courthouse.
Photos by Shacklett's Photography
6 p.m.-8 p.m
Dec 10, 2016
Santa in the Courthouse
Bring your own camera and take a photo of Santa with the kids in the historic Rutherford County Courthouse.
Noon-4 p.m

 (615) 895-1887
1 Public Square
Murfreesboro, TN 37130

From the SPD

****Theft*****

On 12/4/16 at Walmart in Smyrna,Tn a black male (pictured) pushed a cart containing two TVs and a hover board out of the store without paying for them. The black male had an unknown accomplice help load the merchandise into a blue 2004-2008 Chevrolet Impala. The picture is not the actual vehicle but what it should look like. Any information regarding the identification or location of the pictured male is asked to call the Smyrna Police Department Detective Marcy Gossett at 615-267-5002.

From the SPD

This is something that goes past just theft in my view. It takes gifts from loved ones and sometimes precious memories. I would love to help them catch this person.

We would like to make the public aware that we have received a report of a package being stolen from the porch of a residence on Iona Dr. The suspect vehicle is a Muddy Black standard cab pick up. A white female passenger with dark hair, medium build, in her 20's was observed stealing the package and throwing it into the bed of the truck. The witness observed what appeared to be more packages in the bed of the truck as well. Anyone who has had a package stolen in Smyrna is encouraged to report it to the Smyrna Police Dept. We would also like for the public to be on the lookout for this vehicle and suspect possibly repeating this offense. If you see it please contact the Smyrna Police Dept 615-459-6644 immediately.