About 21 miles south of Nashville, Williamson County's seat pairs Civil War-era landmarks such as the Carter, Carnton and Lotz houses with fast-growing newer areas. The Harpeth, a tributary of the Cumberland, is the defining natural feature, and it reminded everyone of its power in May 2010. The county has been named in five FEMA major disaster declarations since 2000.
Please note that Fire & Water Energy is a referral service; we do not perform the work. Call (866) 937-3230 and we will try to reach an independent restoration contractor who covers Franklin, if one is available. Williamson County callers can review how it works and the referral disclosure before phoning.
The Harpeth in 2010 and other Williamson County hazards
During the storms of May 1 and 2, 2010, the National Weather Service recorded more than 17 inches of rain at gauges near Brentwood in two days. The Harpeth River at Franklin crested at about 35.3 feet, more than five feet over its 30-foot flood stage and close to the record for that gauge. Flooding across Middle Tennessee that weekend took 18 lives.
The climate is otherwise moderate: around 54 inches of precipitation a year and under 2 inches of snow on average. Even so, the record low is -22 F. FEMA declarations covering the county include storms and flooding in 2003 and 2008, the 2010 event (DR-1909), Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in 2021 (DR-4601) and the 2026 Severe Winter Storm (DR-4898).
Water damage restoration for historic and newer Franklin homes
Older houses in the historic districts may have plaster walls, original hardwood and aging plumbing that need careful handling when they get wet. Newer homes in subdivisions face different problems: failed ice-maker lines, upstairs laundry leaks and water heaters in attics or closets. Deep freezes can split pipes in exterior walls in any era of house.
A reputable contractor will usually locate the source, use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find hidden water, and dry with dehumidifiers and air movers. Preservation-minded owners may want to ask how a company handles plaster and old-growth wood. Owners of both downtown landmarks and new builds can find background under water damage restoration and structural drying.
Federal disaster declarations that included Williamson County
FEMA records show Williamson County was included in 5 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (3 severe storm, 1 winter storm, 1 tornado, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Franklin was affected. The most recent:
- 2026 – Severe Winter Storm (DR-4898)
- 2021 – Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (DR-4601)
- 2010 – Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes (DR-1909)
- 2008 – Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding (DR-1745)
- 2003 – Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (DR-1464)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, retrieved 2026-10-10. Counts include major disaster (DR) declarations with hurricane, flood, severe storm, tropical storm, fire, tornado, coastal storm, winter or ice storm, mudslide and dam/levee incident types.
Water, fire or storm damage in Franklin?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Franklin property.
Fire and smoke cleanup in a town full of older buildings
Smoke can stain plaster, penetrate porous brick and settle into antique furnishings. In older homes, odor often hides in wall cavities and attic insulation, and firefighting water may soak floors on lower levels.
Typical steps include securing the property, removing charred materials, specialized soot cleaning, content pack-out and odor treatment. More detail is available on fire damage restoration and soot removal.
River flooding, tornadoes and storm cleanup
When the Harpeth or a local creek tops its banks, the water that enters a home should be treated as contaminated. Drywall, carpet pad and insulation it reaches usually need to come out, and surfaces must be disinfected before drying. The 2021 FEMA declaration for the county also listed tornadoes, which bring roof and tree damage that lets rain in.
Restoration contractors commonly tarp, pump, gut flooded materials, sanitize and dry. Learn more on flood damage restoration and storm water damage restoration.
Preventing mold once things get wet
Humid Tennessee summers give mold what it needs, and older houses with crawl spaces or basements are especially prone after a leak or flood. Musty smells and dark spotting are early signs.
EPA guidance says homeowners can usually clean areas smaller than about 10 square feet; for anything larger, or mold that follows floodwater, hire a trained remediation contractor who uses containment. See mold remediation.
Steps to protect your Franklin household
- For fire, injuries, gas odor or rising water around you, call 911.
- Never drive or walk into floodwater; even shallow moving water can knock you over.
- If it is safe, close the main water valve and switch off affected circuits from a dry location.
- Document damage room by room with photos before removing anything, especially historic finishes.
- Speak with your insurer or agent about what your policy includes; river flooding normally needs a separate flood policy.
When you are ready, call (866) 937-3230 or check our Tennessee locations.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Areas in and around Franklin that callers often mention include:
- Historic Downtown Franklin
- Founders Pointe
- Cottonwood
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Franklin):
Franklin restoration FAQs
How high did the Harpeth River get in Franklin in 2010?
The National Weather Service reports a crest of about 35.3 feet at the Franklin gauge on May 2, 2010, more than five feet above flood stage. If your property is near the river, check flood maps and consider flood insurance.
Are older homes in Franklin harder to restore after water damage?
They can be. Plaster, original wood floors and old plumbing need careful drying and sometimes specialized repair. Ask a contractor about experience with older or historic buildings before you hire.
Do pipes freeze in Williamson County?
Winters are usually mild, but the area has hit -22 F and was included in the 2026 winter storm declaration. Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, attics and outside walls, and know how to close your main valve.
Is Fire & Water Energy the contractor that will come out?
No. Our part is the phone referral; the company that shows up in Franklin is an independent business. Ask the contractor about Tennessee licensing requirements, insurance and a written scope before work begins.
Restoration guides
- Flood Damage Restoration
- Water Damage Restoration
- Structural Drying
- Storm Water Damage Restoration
- Fire Damage Restoration
- Mold Remediation