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⛈️ What Jackson Learned From The 2008 Union University Tornado?!⛈️

⛈️ What Jackson Learned From The 2008 Union University Tornado?!⛈️

📈 This Tornado Season Is Expected To Be More Active! 📈

February 09, 2025

Despite This Bipolar Weather, We’re Still Wishing You A Happy Sunday! 😅

We all know that tornado season is around the corner but many new residents may not be familiar with this type of weather.

In Today’s “HubCity Newsletter”:

One Of Jackson’s Most Devastating Natural Disasters! 🌪️
How Jackson Came Together & Rebuilt 🔨
What Jackson Learned From This💡
Weekly Events For The Kids 🛝
Weekly Events For The Whole Family 🎡

Read Time: 3 - 5 Minutes

Jackson, West Tennessee & Tennessee at large has seen an influx of new residents from places like Arizona, California, New York, and Colorado, to name a few. Many of these new residents have never seen a tornado before, but local residents have plenty of stories to share with you, like the 2008 tornado!

🌪️ One Of Jackson’s Most Devastating Natural Disasters! 🌪️

On the night of February 5, 2008, Jackson, Tennessee, experienced one of the most destructive natural disasters in its history. A powerful EF-4 tornado ripped through the city, leaving a path of devastation, particularly at Union University, where students barely escaped with their lives.

The tornado struck with little warning, destroying dormitories, flipping cars, and trapping students under debris. Over 80% of the university’s student housing was damaged or destroyed. Miraculously, despite the extensive destruction, no lives were lost on campus, though several students sustained serious injuries.

Beyond Union University, the storm wreaked havoc across Jackson, downing power lines, demolishing homes, and crippling businesses. The entire community felt the impact, with thousands left without electricity and many residents facing a long road to recovery.

Emergency responders worked tirelessly through the night, rescuing those trapped and providing aid to the injured. The aftermath was a sobering reminder of the unpredictable and devastating power of tornadoes in West Tennessee.

🔨 How Jackson Came Together & Rebuilt 🔨

In the wake of the disaster, Jackson rallied together in a remarkable display of resilience and community spirit. Relief efforts poured in from every direction—local, state, and federal resources were mobilized to assist in the recovery process.

Union University, with the support of volunteers, students, and alumni, immediately began efforts to clear debris and rebuild. Churches, nonprofits, and local businesses stepped up to provide food, shelter, and financial assistance to those affected.

It’s estimated that the tornado caused almost $50 Million Dollars in damages to Madison County!

Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen declared a state of emergency, allowing FEMA to step in with disaster relief funds and resources to help with the rebuilding process.

The recovery wasn’t just about rebuilding structures; it was about rebuilding a sense of normalcy. Businesses reopened, students returned to their studies, and neighborhoods worked together to repair homes. The tragedy, while devastating, also brought out the best in Jackson—showcasing a community that refused to be broken.

💡 What Jackson Learned From This💡

The 2008 tornado served as a wake-up call for Jackson, leading to significant changes in the way the city prepares for severe weather.

Improved Tornado Warning Systems – After the storm, Jackson upgraded its tornado sirens and emergency alert systems, ensuring residents receive faster and more reliable warnings when severe weather is approaching.
More Storm Shelters – Recognizing the need for safe spaces during tornadoes, the city increased the number of designated storm shelters, particularly in schools, public buildings, and residential areas.
Stronger Building Codes – Many structures that were rebuilt were incorporated with improved construction methods to withstand high winds, reducing the risk of future destruction.
Community Preparedness – Schools, businesses, and organizations now conduct more frequent tornado drills, ensuring that residents know what to do in an emergency.

The lessons learned from the 2008 tornado have made Jackson a safer and more prepared community. While the scars of that night remain, the city's response and improvements stand as a testament to its resilience and determination to protect its people from future disasters.

As we enter another tornado season, it's crucial to remember the past but to also share sound advice with others so we can all stay prepared in the future. Have a safety plan, know your nearest storm shelter, and always take tornado warnings seriously.

That’s all from us this week! Be sure to answer our poll and check out our curated list events happening next week. Your support goes to help many local businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs in Jackson and the surrounding areas.

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The Kid Zone
This Week’s Curated Events!
Monday, February 10th - Sunday, February 16th

Monday, February 10th

Story Time 📖
Date: Monday, February 10th
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location:Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: Parents & Children Are Invited To Come Enjoy A Story, Sing, Dance, Craft & Make Friends All Under One Roof!

Tuesday, February 11th

Cosmic Origins Spectrograph 🔭
Date: Tuesday, February 11th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Wednesday, February 12th

Craft Your Own Valentine ✂️
Date: Wednesday, February 12th
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: Come Make Someone’s Valentines Day By Crafting Something Special Ahead Of The Big Day!

Thursday, February 13th

Coding Club (Meet Fellow Programmers) 🖥️
Date: Thursday, February 13th
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: 9 Years Old & Up

Friday, February 14th

Fortnite Gamer Hangout 🎮️
Date: Friday, February 14th
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: (Check For Pricing)
Additional Details: You Asked & We Delivered! This Year We Will Be Testing Out Hangout Events For All Ages! This Gives You The Opportunity To Meet & Form Communities With Others You Share Interests With.

Saturday, February 15th

Exotic Pet Expo 🦎
Date: Saturday, February 15th
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds
Price: $5 Admission

Fortnite Ballistics Tournament 🎮️
Date: Saturday, February 15th
Time: 2:00 PM (Registration at 1PM)
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: (Check For Pricing)
Additional Details: Seating Is Limited So Please Book Early. Top 3 Players Will Win V-Bucks Via Gift Card.

Sunday, February 16th

Family Fun
This Week’s Curated Events!
Monday, February 10th - Sunday, February 16th

Monday, February 10th

American Sign Language Practice 👌
Date: Monday, February 10th
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: All Ages Welcome

Tuesday, February 11th

Future Hairstylist/Beautician Parents Q&A Night 🪞
Date: Tuesday, February 11th
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Empire Beauty School
Price: Free
Additional Details: Parents If Your High Schooler Is Interested In A Future With The Beauty Industry, Then This Is The Perfect Night To Bring Them Out For A Tour Of Our Facility. We Will Talk About Career Paths, Scholarships & More! (Light Refreshments Available)

Story Time 📖
Date: Tuesday, February 11th
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location:Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: Parents & Children Are Invited To Come Enjoy A Story, Sing, Dance, Craft & Make Friends All Under One Roof!

Wednesday, February 12th

Thursday, February 13th

2025 Lights, Camera, Fashion 👠
Date: Thursday, February 13th
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Carl Perkins Civic Center
Price: $12 (Pre-Order)
Additional Details: Come Out & Support High School Models From Across West Tennessee. This Will Include A Fashion Show, Dinner & Supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Coding Club (Meet Fellow Programmers) 🖥️
Date: Thursday, February 13th
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: 9 Years Old & Up

AutoZone Spring Hiring Event 🚘
Date: Thursday, February 13th
Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: AutoZone
Additional Details: We Are Looking For Some Amazing People To Join Our Team. Positions Available Are Manager in Training (MIT), Shift Supervisor, Retail Sales Associates & Commercial Drivers. Feel Free To Fill Out An Application Online Or Bring In Your Resume!

Friday, February 14th

Cosmic Origins Spectrograph 🔭
Date: Friday, February 14th
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Kids' After School Special Planetarium Show: Max Goes To The Moon 🌕
Date: Friday, February 14th
Time: 3:45 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Mary Poppins On Stage 🎭
Date: Friday, February 14th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Ned
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Presented By: Trinity Christian Academy
Additional Details: Join Us For An Evening Of Excitement & Wonder As We Perform The Classic Tell Of Mary Poppins!

Saturday, February 15th

February - Monthly Market 🛍️
Date: Saturday, February 15th
Time: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Price: Free Entry (Merchandise Pricing Vary)
Additional Details: Baked Goods, Custom Shirts, Embroidered Hats, Jewelry & So Much More! Come Out To Support Local Businesses & Have A Blast Doing It!

Exotic Pet Expo 🦎
Date: Saturday, February 15th
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds
Price: $5 Admission

Mary Poppins On Stage 🎭
Date: Saturday, February 15th
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: The Ned
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Presented By: Trinity Christian Academy
Additional Details: Join Us For An Evening Of Excitement & Wonder As We Perform The Classic Tell Of Mary Poppins!

Great Backyard Bird Count 🥾
Date: Saturday, February 15th
Time: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Cypress Grove Nature Park
Price: Free (Registration Required!)
Additional Details: Start Your Morning By Learning & Seeing Some Of The Amazing Birds That Visit Cypress Grove. This Is Open To All Levels Of Bird Watchers! Binoculars Recommended But Not Required.

Stargazing At The Mounds 💫
Date: Saturday, February 15th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park
Price: $5 (Registration Required)
Additional Details: Head Over To The Museum And Join Us For An Evening Under The Stars!

Free Donut Friday 🍩
Date: Saturday, February 15th
Time: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Location: Farmers Insurance - Vanessa Correa
Price: Free
Additional Details: Come Grab A Free Donut & Coffee! Are You Looking For A Job & Need Someone To Review Your Resume? We Got You Covered! While You're Here, Take A Chance & Spin Our Prize Wheel To See What You Can Win. Don’t Forget To Ask Us About Our Office & Printer Services.

Mary Poppins On Stage 🎭
Date: Saturday, February 15th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Ned
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Presented By: Trinity Christian Academy
Additional Details: Join Us For An Evening Of Excitement & Wonder As We Perform The Classic Tell Of Mary Poppins!

World Hippo Day Story Time 🦛
Date: Saturday, February 15th
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: The Hippo Is One Of Nature's Most Powerful Animals & Yet Many Of Us Know Little About It!

Sunday, February 16th

Exotic Pet Expo 🦎
Date: Sunday, February 16th
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds
Price: $5 Admission

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