Once home to Sewart Air Force Base and, since 1983, to Nissan's large assembly plant, Smyrna sits at about 545 feet in the Nashville metro area, with roughly 20,000 housing units counted in 2020. Rutherford County has been included in six FEMA major disaster declarations since 2000, most of them tied to severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.
Fire & Water Energy refers people to restoration companies; it is a referral service and not a contractor. Call (866) 937-3230 and we will try to reach an independent restoration contractor serving Smyrna, although we cannot promise one is available. Read how the service works and the referral disclosure to understand our role in Rutherford County.
Stones River country: storms, tornadoes and floods on record
The Stones River and Stewarts Creek drain the town toward Percy Priest Lake, a reservoir managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District. When storms stall over Middle Tennessee, creeks and low ground fill quickly.
FEMA's records for Rutherford County show what to prepare for: Severe Storms and Tornados in 2002 (DR-1441), Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in 2003 and 2009 (DR-1464, DR-1839), Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes in 2010 (DR-1909), a 2023 storm and tornado declaration (DR-4701) and a Severe Winter Storm in 2026 (DR-4898). Those declarations are county-wide and do not pinpoint which streets were affected.
Common water damage problems in Smyrna homes
Most indoor water losses begin with ordinary failures: a burst supply line, a leaking water heater, a clogged condensate drain from the air conditioner or a dishwasher that overflows. Winter storms like the one in 2026 can freeze pipes in garages and outside walls, and spring downpours expose weak roof flashing.
When looking for water damage restoration in Smyrna, choose a contractor who will find the source, measure moisture inside walls and under floors, remove what cannot be dried and document drying until the structure is back to normal. More: water damage restoration, emergency water removal and burst pipe water damage.
Federal disaster declarations that included Rutherford County
FEMA records show Rutherford County was included in 6 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (5 severe storm, 1 winter storm, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Smyrna was affected. The most recent:
- 2026 – Severe Winter Storm (DR-4898)
- 2023 – Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes (DR-4701)
- 2010 – Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes (DR-1909)
- 2009 – Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (DR-1839)
- 2003 – Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (DR-1464)
- 2002 – Severe Storms and Tornados (DR-1441)
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 Smyrna?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Smyrna property.
Fire cleanup and lingering smoke odor
Kitchen fires, electrical faults and heating equipment start many house fires. Even when firefighters contain the flames quickly, the rest of the home may be coated with soot, and odor can soak into drywall, carpet and attic insulation.
Restoration contractors commonly secure openings, remove debris, clean soot from surfaces and belongings, and deodorize the structure and ductwork. For more, Rutherford County homeowners can read about fire damage cleanup and smoke odor removal.
Creek flooding and storm cleanup near Percy Priest
Water that enters a home from Stewarts Creek, the river or overloaded storm drains should be treated as contaminated, because it may carry sewage, chemicals and debris. Saturated drywall, insulation and carpet pad typically must be removed and the area disinfected before drying.
Tornadoes and straight-line winds add roof damage and fallen trees. A typical contractor will tarp, pump out water, tear out wet materials, sanitize and run drying equipment. See our pages on flood cleanup and storm damage cleanup for Smyrna-area properties.
Stopping mold before it spreads
Middle Tennessee summers are warm and humid, so damp materials can grow mold in a couple of days. Check under sinks, behind washers and along baseboards after any leak, and watch for musty smells.
Per EPA guidance, a homeowner can usually handle mold covering less than about 10 square feet; larger areas, hidden growth or mold following floodwater should go to a trained remediation contractor using containment. See mold removal.
First things to do in Smyrna after damage
- Call 911 if there is fire, an injury, a gas smell or a power line down.
- Do not drive through flooded roads or walk through moving water near creeks.
- Turn off the water main if plumbing is leaking, and keep away from wet electrical equipment.
- Take photos of all damage and affected belongings before cleanup starts.
- Ask your insurer or agent which losses your policy covers; flood usually needs separate coverage.
After that, call (866) 937-3230 or visit our Tennessee service directory.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Smyrna):
- La Vergne · 4 mi
- Murfreesboro · 12 mi
- Mount Juliet · 15 mi
- Brentwood · 15 mi
- Nashville · 20 mi
- Christiana · 20 mi
Smyrna restoration FAQs
Which waterways can flood in Smyrna?
The Stones River and Stewarts Creek are the main waterways, and parts of Percy Priest Lake lie within town limits. Low-lying lots near any of them can be affected in heavy rain. Check flood maps before finishing a basement or buying property.
Has Rutherford County had flood disaster declarations?
Yes. FEMA declarations for the county included flooding in 2003, 2009 and 2010. Because these are county-wide, ask your agent about your specific property's flood risk and coverage.
What should I do if pipes freeze during a winter storm?
Open cabinet doors on exterior walls, let faucets drip and gently warm frozen sections without open flames. If a line splits, close the water main. Rutherford County was part of the 2026 winter storm declaration.
Is Fire & Water Energy the company that repairs my home?
No. Our job stops at the phone call, when we try to hand you off to an independent Smyrna-area business. Before that company starts, request proof of insurance, a written estimate and confirmation of any Tennessee license the job needs.
Restoration guides
- Water Damage Restoration
- Flood Cleanup
- Emergency Water Removal
- Burst Pipe Water Damage
- Fire Damage Cleanup
- Mold Removal