Ribbon Cutting to Celebrate the EV Charging Stations.

On February 18th at 4 PM, we held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation of EV Charging Stations, made possible with help from Dr. Chen at Tennessee Tech University. This EV charging station is one of two locations, including the police department parking lot and Kid’s Corner Park. Both spots are within walking distance of restaurants and shopping/convenience stores.

Public Works aims to encourage residents and fellow Chattanoogans to try out the stations. You can simply walk up to the station, connect your debit/credit card with your cell phone, and plug in the charger to your car. We hope to install superchargers in the near future through a grant from TTU that assists rural communities with access to charging stations, benefiting our residents in Red Bank.

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“Embracing St. Patrick’s Day and its traditions is one thing; engaging in the deadly behavior that is drinking and driving is another. Feeling buzzed and getting behind the wheel puts lives at risk,” reminds Sgt. Rusty Aalberg. As law enforcement officers, we witness firsthand the devastation and loss caused by alcohol-impaired driving, along with the lasting pain it inflicts on families, friends, and entire communities. We’re partnering with NHTSA to share the reminder that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Drinking and driving is not an option, but making sure someone sober will be behind the wheel is,” Sgt. Aalberg said. 

Drivers should be safe during St. Patrick’s Day by planning ahead if they intend to drink. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Alcohol impairment clouds a person’s judgment. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home. 

If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots a drunk driver, contact local law enforcement. 

Drive 100% sober, because Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

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Daylight Saving Time is Sunday March 9th, 2025, which means we spring forward one hour. 

Spring forward is also a good time to Change Your Clock Change Your Batteries. 

Communities nationwide witness tragic home fire deaths each year. Non-working smoke alarms rob residents of the protective benefits home fire safety devices were designed to provide. The most commonly cited cause of non-working smoke alarms: worn or missing batteries.

Changing smoke alarm batteries at least twice per year is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce these tragic deaths and injuries. In fact, working smoke alarms nearly cut in half the risk of dying in a home fire. Additionally, the International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends replacing your smoke alarms every ten years.

To save lives and prevent needless injuries, the Red Bank Fire Department has joined the “Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery” campaign. The program urges all Americans to adopt a simple, lifesaving habit: changing smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries when changing clocks to daylight savings time. The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most families are sleeping. Smoke alarm maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. A working smoke alarm can give your family the extra seconds you need to get out of a home fire safely.

In addition, the Red Bank Fire Department recommends residents use the “extra” hour they save from the time change to test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors by pushing the test button, planning “two ways out” and practicing escape routes with the entire family. Families should also prepare a fire safety kit that includes working flashlights and fresh batteries.

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                           Exciting News for Music Lovers! 

Join us for "S'mores & Sounds - a Red Bank Concert Series", an unforgettable musical experience where melodies meet marshmallows! Gather with friends and family under the stars, enjoy live performances by talented artists, and enjoy FREE s'mores by the fire. It's the perfect blend of sweet treats and sweet tunes!

We look forward to seeing you there!

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                      Severe Thunderstorm Warning

A severe thunderstorm warning is a critical alert issued by your local National Weather Service Forecast Office (NWFO) when specific conditions are met. Let’s break it down:

Criteria for Issuance:

Radar Indication: The warning is triggered when a severe thunderstorm is indicated by radar.

Spotter Reports: It can also be issued based on spotter reports of a thunderstorm producing hail one inch or larger in diameter and/or winds equal to or exceeding fifty-eight (58) miles per hour.

Immediate Action: When this warning is issued, people in the affected area should seek shelter immediately.

Tornado Risk: Severe thunderstorms have the potential to produce tornadoes, sometimes with little or no warning.

Lightning Frequency: Unlike lightning frequency, which is not a criterion for issuing this warning, the focus is on other severe weather aspects.

Duration: Severe thunderstorm warnings typically last for one hour and can be issued independently, even without a prior severe thunderstorm watch.

Information Included:

The warning specifies where the storm is located.

It identifies the towns that will be affected by the severe thunderstorm.

The primary threat associated with the storm (e.g., hail, strong winds) is communicated.

Additional Considerations:

If the severe thunderstorm also causes torrential rains, the warning may be combined with a Flash Flood Warning.

After issuance, the NWFO provides periodic updates through severe weather statements, keeping the public informed about the storm’s status.

Now, all the ingredients are in place, and Mother Nature is now cooking up the storm! 

                                        Tornado Watch

A tornado watch, similar to a severe thunderstorm watch, is issued by the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) in Norman, Oklahoma. Here’s how it works:

 Consultation: The SPC communicates with the affected local National Weather Forecast Office (NWFO). They discuss the current weather situation and share their insights.

Preliminary Watch: The SPC issues a preliminary tornado watch.

Adjustment and Public Issuance: The NWFO adjusts the watch based on local conditions and then issues it to the public via a severe weather statement.

Watch Area: During the watch, the NWFO keeps the public informed about the weather conditions within the designated area.

Expiration or Cancellation: The NWFO notifies when the watch has expired or been canceled.

                                                          Tornado Warning

A tornado warning is a critical alert issued when a tornado is either indicated by radar or reported by a spotter. Here’s what you need to know:

Immediate Action: If you’re in the affected area, seek safe shelter immediately.

Duration: Tornado warnings typically last for around 30 minutes.

No Watch Required: Unlike a tornado watch, a warning can be issued without a prior tornado watch being in effect.

Tornado Facts:

Timing: Tornadoes tend to strike during spring and summer months, often between 3 and 9 p.m., but they can occur at any time.

Sound: A tornado sounds like the roar of a freight train or an airplane at takeoff.

Destructive Power: Tornadoes can uproot trees, damage structures, and turn harmless objects into deadly missiles within seconds, causing incredible destruction and injuries.

Safety Tips During a Tornado:

Basement or Storm Cellar: Seek shelter in a basement or storm cellar.

Interior Rooms: If no basement is available, go to the smallest interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.

Avoid Corners: Stay away from corners.

Windows: Do not open windows; seek shelter in a bathtub.

Protection: Use a mattress, blanket, or couch cushions to protect yourself from falling debris.

Emergency Supplies: Keep a flashlight and an emergency supply kit handy.

Sturdy Cover: Get under something sturdy like a heavy table, bed, or stairs.

Car Safety: If in a car or truck, get out immediately; do not seek shelter under the vehicle.

No Shelter: If no shelter is available, lie flat, face down, in the nearest ditch or depression, covering your head with your hands.

Remember:

Watch: We're going to cook tacos for dinner

Warning: We're eating tacos

Stay low, stay informed, and take tornado warnings seriously.

We hope that now you have a better understanding of Severe Weather Watches and Warnings and use the safety tips we shared with you in this article to stay safe this Spring!

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The Mission

We provide creative spaces & experiences that encourage growth, inspire learning, and develop connections for children with disabilities and their families.

Core Values

• We celebrate the highs and guide through the lows.
• Strong families make happy kids.
• Everyone is welcome.
• Embrace chaos, practice patience.
• Real experience builds genuine relationships.
• We believe in the power of play.
• Care for the caretaker is essential.

Programs and Projects

Boost Program

Training Wheels Preschool Program

Training Wheels preschool program is a unique and individualized preschool experience for our young learners. Unlike most preschools, we are not devoted to a specific theory or approach when teaching Early Childhood Education. We believe in the power of play and utilize a combination of Montessori Techniques and Traditional Learning Approaches in our daily lessons. We simply meet the child where they are and nurture their own unique learning style. Our classroom is not segregated into age groups, children of ages 2.5 years to 6 years, and of all physical and intellectual abilities come together to play and learn.

We pride ourselves on keeping our lesson plans play-based, hands-on and adaptive to each child's specific abilities and safety needs, all while introducing pre-kindergarten skills. 

Garden Project

For more information, please contact Downside Up Inc. at:

Address:  621 E 11th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403

 Mailing Address:     P.O. Box 455, Hixson, TN  37343

Email:  downsideupinc@gmail.com

Phone: 423.803.6944

Website: https://www.downsideupinc.org/

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              Looking Ahead

             March 4th - Regular Commission Work Session - 5 PM

                                           Regular Commission Meeting - 6 PM 

               March 18th - Regular Commission Work Session - 5 PM

                                           Regular Commission Meeting - 6 PM 

            March 12th - Planning Commission Work Session - 12 PM

          March 26th - Regular Planning Commission Meeting - 6 PM

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