How to Make Blessing Bags in Tennessee: Safe Food, Water and Weather Tips

Pick sealed, ready to eat foods that do not need a fridge. FDA says to refrigerate foods promptly and keep your fridge at 40 degrees or below, so skip anything that has to stay cold. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before you pack, and clean can lids before opening.

Official page: fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/safe-food-handling

Water matters most. CDC says to drink water regularly, before you feel thirsty, and to cool down with a cool shower or bath. Add a note about cooler places like a mall or public library. Muscle cramps, headaches, nausea or vomiting are signs to get medical care right away.

Official page: cdc.gov/heat-health/risk-factors/heat-and-low-income.html

CDC suggests a hat, a scarf, and mittens or gloves, with dry clothing layers. Wet clothes can chill you even above 40 degrees, so dry socks help a lot. Shivering, confusion, fumbling hands, slurred speech or drowsiness are warning signs of hypothermia, which is a medical emergency.

Official page: cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/index.html

Write a small card that says: Tennessee 211, dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211. Add 988 for crisis support. In Nashville, add Nashville Rescue Mission at 615 255 2475. In Memphis, add the Hospitality Hub at 901 730 1736.

Official page: unitedwaygreaternashville.org/211

Nashville Rescue Mission has a Donation Center at 616 7th Avenue South, open Monday to Saturday, 7 am to 7 pm. Its clothing is given free to people experiencing homelessness. Call 615 255 2475 before you drop off a large load.

Official page: nashvillerescuemission.org/contact