West Tennessee weather keeps things interesting. Summers can be hot and humid, winters are generally mild but can bring ice or the occasional cold snap, and spring and fall can bring strong storms. Being prepared protects you, your belongings, and your home. This guide offers general, season-by-season preparation tips for apartment renters in Millington and the Memphis area. For official alerts, follow the National Weather Service and local emergency management.

Year-round basics

Get alerts

Enable emergency alerts on your phone and consider a weather radio. Know the difference between a watch (conditions are favorable) and a warning (the hazard is happening or imminent). Follow guidance from the National Weather Service office that serves the Memphis area and from Shelby County emergency management.

Build an emergency kit

  • Flashlights and extra batteries.
  • A phone power bank.
  • Bottled water and shelf-stable food for a few days.
  • A first-aid kit and needed medications.
  • Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag.
  • Supplies for pets, if you have them.

Protect your belongings

Your landlord's insurance generally does not cover your personal property. Renters insurance can help with certain losses. Read your policy carefully, since coverage varies. See renters insurance basics for an overview.

Spring: storm season

Spring in the Mid-South can bring severe thunderstorms, and tornado warnings are possible. Planning ahead matters.

Know your safe spot

General safety guidance is to go to the lowest floor and an interior room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet, during a tornado warning. Identify that spot in your apartment before you need it, and ask the office whether the property has any additional guidance.

Secure outdoor items

If you have a patio or balcony, bring in lightweight furniture, plants, and decor ahead of strong winds.

Summer: heat and humidity

  • Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day.
  • Use ceiling or portable fans to help circulate air.
  • Stay hydrated and limit strenuous outdoor activity in peak heat.
  • Never leave children or pets in a parked car.
  • Walk dogs early or late, when pavement is cooler.
  • Report cooling problems to the office promptly.

Humidity can encourage mildew in bathrooms and closets. Run the bathroom fan during and after showers and leave closet doors open occasionally for airflow.

Fall: a good time to check supplies

Fall can bring another round of storms. It is a good time to refresh your emergency kit, replace batteries, test smoke detectors, and review your renters insurance before winter. If you are planning a move this season, our winter moving guide has tips for the colder months ahead.

Winter: cold snaps and ice

Winters in the Memphis area are generally milder than in many parts of the country, but ice and freezing temperatures do happen.

Protect pipes

During hard freezes, follow any guidance from the property office. Common general tips include keeping the heat on, even when you travel, and opening cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air reach the pipes. Ask the office what they recommend for your home.

Drive carefully

Ice can make bridges and overpasses slick. If roads are icy, consider staying home if you can. Keep an ice scraper, blanket, and phone charger in your car.

Heat safely

If your lease allows space heaters, keep them away from anything flammable, plug them directly into the wall, and turn them off when you leave or sleep. Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.

Power outages

  • Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible.
  • Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them when power returns.
  • Report outages to the electric provider serving your address.
  • Use flashlights, not candles, when possible.

Communicate with the office

After any storm, check your home for leaks or damage and report issues to the office. Our post on requesting maintenance online explains how. You can also call (901) 878-0733 or email [email protected]. In an emergency, call 911. More safety habits are in our apartment safety tips.

Looking for a home in Millington?

Millington Oaks is at 4945 Navy Rd, Millington, TN 38053. Our one-bedroom homes are 750 sq ft from $875 per month, and our two-bedroom homes are 850 sq ft from $975 per month. Pricing is subject to change. See the floor plans, learn about apartments in Millington, TN, schedule a tour, or apply now.