With all of Tennessee under a State of Emergency through the night, state officials want families to be ready for the worst. They say a little preparation can be critical if you're stranded on the side of the road or left in the dark in your own home. TEMA urges all families to stay off the roads and in their homes unless it's absolutely necessary, but they say if you have to drive in these winter conditions, it's important to prepare before you even fire up the ignition. In this type of weather, it's advised that you have the essentials already packed in your vehicle. TEMA says water is the most important thing. If you're stranded with no heater and crews are having trouble getting to you, it's important to have warm clothing, like boots or shoes you can get into the elements or even a blanket in case you're out in the cold for a while. Also, be sure to have a flashlight and a cell phone that is fully charged so you can call for help. Of course, just because you're off the roads doesn't mean you can't fall victim to this winter weather. The Nashville Electric Service says one of their main concerns is tree branches weighed down by ice that could fall and damage power lines, which could put you in the dark in your own home. Families across the Midstate should prepare now, in case it happens. Batteries and flashlights are essential for getting around in a dark home. NES also advises you have a portable radio handy so you can keep up with the weather. Much like in a car, keep a charged cell phone nearby so you can call a friend and report your outage. In the event that there is a power outage, NES says you can help them help you by having a few key things.

"Well, the first thing they want to do is make sure they have their information to report an outage in case they lose their power," says NES Communications Supervisor Tim Hill. "Our phone system is set up to recognize your phone number, but if you call from a phone number, it doesn't recognize, you'll need a meter number or the phone number that's associated with the bill to report an outage, so that's the main thing."

They say if you haven't already, go ahead and gather that information now, in case your power does go out. It's also important to have non-perishable food items in your home. FOX17's Eric Alvarez will have more on how families are stocking up, COMING UP in JUST A FEW MINUTES on FOX17 NEWS.What You're Doing to Prepare for Winter Weather