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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in Gatlinburg, TN
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
Service Areas
The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in Gatlinburg, TN You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Gatlinburg, TN
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Gatlinburg, TN
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
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Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Gatlinburg, TN that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg ordinance will limit merchandise in storefront displays
Kyle Graingerhttps://www.wvlt.tv/2024/03/02/gatlinburg-adopts-new-ordinance-store-front-displays/
City leaders said they are trying to return Gatlinburg to its roots as a quaint mountain town.GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WVLT) - Gatlinburg passed a new ordinance this week that could change the town’s look, limiting how much window space stores can use to show merchandise.The city said they want to make Gatlinburg safer and more pleasing to the eyes.City leaders said they are trying to return Gatlinburg to its roots as a quaint mountain town. Kylie England at Smoky Mountain Art, in Elks Plaza, has closely followed the ...
City leaders said they are trying to return Gatlinburg to its roots as a quaint mountain town.
GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WVLT) - Gatlinburg passed a new ordinance this week that could change the town’s look, limiting how much window space stores can use to show merchandise.
The city said they want to make Gatlinburg safer and more pleasing to the eyes.
City leaders said they are trying to return Gatlinburg to its roots as a quaint mountain town. Kylie England at Smoky Mountain Art, in Elks Plaza, has closely followed the new display ordinance in Gatlinburg.
“I honestly think it’s better personally because there is a lot of lights coming up in the storefront, which I noticed really distracting just a lot of the drivers around town,” said England.
The city will ban distracting lights and how much of window space can be utilized for merchandise.
“I think it’s different for sure because I know a lot of people have put so much money investing in good lighting for their storefront, but at the same time, the safety of our communities first,” said England.
Gatlinburg city leaders reviewed ideas for the past six months and held two months of public discussion before the final vote.
“Reduce those elements to kind of get back to, you know, some of the comments we heard during the workshop meeting was getting Gatlinburg to its quaint town appearance and so that this is what some of that is aimed at,” said Seth Butler, City of Gatlinburg Public Information Officer.
During the next 90 days, city leaders say store owners have time to make the changes and ask city staff if it’s correct.
Limiting the signs and displays to 50 percent will also help public safety if they respond to a problem.
“We want to be able to see what’s going on in those businesses and to ensure a safe egress and ingress and egress for not only the store patrons but also our emergency services personnel,” said Butler.
That’s what England hopes will happen for locals and visitors.
“It’s all about safety for everyone that’s visiting, visiting our town. I mean, we need to put their safety first. So I think it’s good,” she added.
This new ordinance will go into effect in April.
Copyright 2024 WVLT. All rights reserved.
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge attractions open for family fun on spring break 2024
Silas Sloanhttps://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/2024/02/29/pigeon-forge-gatlinburg-smoky-mountains-attractions-open-during-spring-break/72771058007/
Spring break is right around the corner, which means families will have some free time to enjoy (hopefully) nice East Tennessee weather around Great Smoky Mountains National Park.But if national parks aren't your scene - or if you want to do something other than hiking - Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville a...
Spring break is right around the corner, which means families will have some free time to enjoy (hopefully) nice East Tennessee weather around Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
But if national parks aren't your scene - or if you want to do something other than hiking - Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville are home to a ton of fun, family-friendly attractions and theme parks.
While a lot of attractions are open, some, like Soaky Mountain Waterpark, won't be open in time for spring break. So it's a good idea to check your destination's hours on their website or call.
Here's a look at which destinations that will be open during spring break.
Dollywood
Is it really a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains if you don't visit the theme park founded by East Tennessee's queen Dolly Parton? Dollywood opens for its 39th season on March 9 and has some exciting new attractions coming this year. Season pass holders can get in a day early on March 8.
The theme park will kick off the season with its second I Will Always Love You Music Festival from March 9 to April 14.
Dollywood tickets are $92 for adults, and $82 for children and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at dollywood.com.
Anakeesta
The mountaintop park in Gatlinburg will be open with two new features in its Astra Lumina night walk experience, which gives guests a dazzling light show.
The park also will host its Shamrock Celebration March 14-17, which will have St. Patrick's Day decor, live events and green beer.
Ticket prices, hours and more info can be found at anakeesta.com.
Dig'n Zone
The long-awaited construction-themed amusement park hosts its grand opening on March 1.
The park is fun for kids and adults and is home to 20 attractions and rides, including The Decimator, a 50,000-pound excavator that swings you around at a dizzying speed. There's also Pipeliner, which is like a big game of operation in which you use a mini excavator to fit pipes into the correctly shaped holes.
Tickets are $55 for kids and seniors, and $69 for adults. Children 3 and younger get in for free. There are height limits on rides.
The park is generally open seven days a week, but it is scheduled for some days off throughout the year. It's open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in the spring.
To view the full schedule and get more info on the park, visit dignzone.com.
Eggo House of Pancakes
Want to stay in a house shaped like a golden short stack of pancakes while you visit other attractions? Well, you can sign up to stay in the Eggo House of Pancakes for a weekend in March for free.
Bookings are first come first serve on hometogo.com/EggoHouseofPancakes. Families are responsible for their own travel.
The deadline to book for March 7-10 has passed, but you can still book more weekends.
Reservations are made on a rolling basis after that and sign-ups will open Mondays at noon EST.
Gatlinburg SkyPark
Do you dare walk on the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America?
The chair lift, bridge and more activities are open for spring break.
Tickets are $33.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors age 65 and up, $19.95 for ages 6-11 and free for 5 and under. Online discounts are available at gatlinburgskypark.com.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The crown jewel of East Tennessee is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's the most-visited national park in the country (by far) but you can still find beautiful places of solitude.
The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with free admission. A $5 parking fee was instituted this past year for those who stop and explore. There are entrances in Gatlinburg, and the Sugarlands Visitors Center is great first stop.
The national park south of Knoxville is a hiker's dream, with shorter nature walks for novices and day-long or even overnight hikes for experts.
Ober Mountain
Spring isn't prime time for skiing, but Ober Mountain has plenty more to offer.
Families can take a scenic tram ride and take in the natural beauty of the mountains. They can ride bumper cars, the Tennessee Flyer mountain coaster and the Alpine Slide. Oh, there's also ice skating.
Tickets for the tram only are $29, but wristbands for access to the tram and all the attractions are $49 for ages 5 to 59. Tickets are $39 for people 60 and older. Ages 4 and younger can ride for free.
You can purchase tickets, see the schedule and more at obermountain.com.
Wilderness at the Smokies
The Sevierville waterpark has overnight rates during spring break for as low as $119 a night. It's also adding some new features this spring.
The new Lookout Lagoon rooftop pool opens March 1 and is home to the Peak Rooftop Bar and Eatery. The pool has a glass edge, three rooftop cabanas and an entertainment stage.
Museums
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are home to some unique and wacky museums to check out:
Silas Sloan is the growth and development reporter. Emailsilas.sloan@knoxnews.com. Twitter@silasloan. Instagram@knox.growth.
Crayons, Nerf guns and even more Dolly Parton: Here's what's coming to the Smokies in 2024
Silas Sloanhttps://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/2024/01/02/smoky-mountains-gatlinburg-pigeon-forge-new-attractions-2024-dolly-parton-nerf-crayons/71971823007/
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a beautiful sight to behold and attracts millions of tourists every year.But those tourists don't just stay inside the park's borders, of course. They know how to have all kinds of fun in ...
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a beautiful sight to behold and attracts millions of tourists every year.
But those tourists don't just stay inside the park's borders, of course. They know how to have all kinds of fun in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and beyond.
Next year, Smokies visitors will have plenty of new attractions to lay their eyes on, like a place to have a family Nerf gun fight. Some might even say the idea of that kind of bonding is just as beautiful as the mountains themselves.
Here's a look at some of the new things to do and attractions visitors can expect when they visit the Smokies in 2024.
Dolly Parton Experience at Dollywood
Dollywood in Pigeon Forge opens to season pass holders for its 39th season on March 8. It's going to be the park's longest season, running for 280 days. That's 23 longer than the 2023 season.
In May, visitors will be treated to the new Dolly Parton Experience, an immersive, multimedia expansion that will "make guests feel as if they were alongside Dolly as she journeyed from Locust Ridge to stages around the world," according to the park.
The experience will span multiple buildings and will include a Dolly Parton museum.
Crayola Experience
Those memories from elementary school coloring sessions will flood back at this 30,000-square-foot entertainment facility from the iconic brand that's set to open in the fall.
The facility will have over 20 hands-on attractions like naming your own crayon color, creating wax art and a custom coloring book, according to the company's website. A retail store will offer the world's largest selection of Crayola products.
The Pigeon Forge attraction, located at 2046 Parkway, will be the first of five Crayola Experience locations popping up across the country in the next five years.
Nerf Action Xperience
Adults and children can enjoy this foam-filled attraction that's set to open in the fall.
The Nerf Action Xperience, a 29,000-square-foot indoor entertainment center, will open on the Pigeon Forge Parkway and feature blaster battle zones, sports challenges, an obstacle course, a food and beverage area and a retail store.
Dig'n Zone
Originally set to open in spring 2023, the construction-themed amusement park is now coming to Sevierville on March 1.
The 27-acre park will have more than 25 attractions that allow families to ride, drive and operate different pieces of construction equipment, including an excavator, electric SUVs and tractors.
If you're feeling destructive, you can operate a wrecking ball to knock over as many things as you can before time runs out.
Wilderness at the Smokies expansion
The Sevierville water park has a few fun features coming in 2024 for those who'd like to take more than just a dip in the pool.
The Lookout Lagoon rooftop pool will open in March and will be home to the Peak Rooftop Bar and Eatery. The pool will have a glass edge, three rooftop cabanas and an entertainment stage.
The park will complete construction on six three-story treehouse cabins, eight five-bedroom entertainment cabins and 14 four-bedroom cabins to expand its lodging capabilities. Floor plans will range from 1,300 to 3,900 square feet.
Two Anakeesta expansions
The Gatlinburg mountaintop park is adding two new features to its Astra Lumina night walk experience.
Nebular Waves will be a new installation that "invites visitors to observe what happens when stars dream as they discover ethereal and undulating waves of light that washes over them," a press release from the park said.
The Astral Genisis installation also will get an update, adding a new light show.
The updated attractions are expected to open in March.
Silas Sloan is the growth and development reporter. Emailsilas.sloan@knoxnews.com. Twitter@silasloan. Instagram@knox.growth.
Gatlinburg closes emergency shelter after flooding
Hannah Moorehttps://www.wate.com/news/sevier-county-news/emergency-shelter-opens-in-gatlinburg-due-to-flooding/
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The City of Gatlinburg has closed the emergency shelter established early Tuesday due to flooding brought on by heavy rains moving through the region.The shelter was located at the Gatlinburg Community Center at 157 Mills Park Road. Officials said they were prepared to accept anyone needing shelter at the Community Center, but a release shared just before 4 p.m. said no individuals used the shelter. ...
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The City of Gatlinburg has closed the emergency shelter established early Tuesday due to flooding brought on by heavy rains moving through the region.
The shelter was located at the Gatlinburg Community Center at 157 Mills Park Road. Officials said they were prepared to accept anyone needing shelter at the Community Center, but a release shared just before 4 p.m. said no individuals used the shelter.
Several roads in the city were closed as a result of the flooding. As of 4 p.m. on Tuesday, the City of Gatlinburg roads that remain closed are Hemlock Street, the 400 block of Baskins Creek Road and up, Topside Road and Lower Alpine Road.
“The City is thankful that no damage or injuries occurred during this flooding event,” Gatlinburg City Manager Cindy Cameron Ogle said. “The City is also grateful for the many different Departments and City employees which worked together to help mitigate any threat from the rising waters.”
Two trolleys were dedicated by the Gatlinburg Trolley System for “any necessary evacuations that may be needed” according to the city. The trolleys were behind Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and on Bishop Lane behind Pi Beta Phi Elementary School.
“Be sure to take extra time and extreme caution if travel is necessary due to road conditions. If you find a road with water on it, do not drive through it. The National Weather Service reminds you to #TurnAroundDontDrown,” wrote the city in a release.
The WATE 6 Storm Team was tracking heavy rain and strong winds in the area. Several school systems in East Tennessee, including Sevier County, have announced closures or delays due to severe weather.
‘Brown substance’ found in Gatlinburg restaurant’s ice machine during inspection
Don Darehttps://www.wate.com/news/food-for-thought/brown-substance-found-in-gatlinburg-restaurants-ice-machine-during-inspection/
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The eatery with the low score is known for its British recipes. Several violations that could potentially cause foodborne illness were checked off during a recent health inspection.The grade is 68 at the Fox and Parrot Tavern at 1065 Glades Road in Gatlinburg. That is a failing score as any grade of 69 and below is considered a failing grade.Fox & Parrot Tavern, 1065 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg — Grade: 68, Follow-up ...
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The eatery with the low score is known for its British recipes. Several violations that could potentially cause foodborne illness were checked off during a recent health inspection.
The grade is 68 at the Fox and Parrot Tavern at 1065 Glades Road in Gatlinburg. That is a failing score as any grade of 69 and below is considered a failing grade.
Fox & Parrot Tavern, 1065 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg — Grade: 68, Follow-up Grade: 92
First off, the inspector wrote that there was “a black and brown substance” in the ice maker that was in contact with the ice. In dry storage, several cans of food were found with dented seals. That’s a big deal because dents in food cans could potentially contaminate the product.
A wet wiping cloth, that is used to clean tables, was in the cleaning bucket like it’s supposed to be, however, there was no sanitizer in the solution as required. The inspector also wrote that there were several roaches and other flying insects in the kitchen area.
The inspector found frozen pork thawing in standing water. You may thaw frozen food at home like that, but at restaurants, one of the safe ways to thaw frozen food is in the refrigerator which slows bacteria growth.
When he checked the “date marks” on ready-to-eat food in the refrigerator, the dates of first use on some of the food had expired. Due to this, four pounds of scotch eggs and three pounds of bangers were thrown away.
Finally, due to so many critical violations, the inspector wrote the management at Fox and Parrot lacked managerial control.
The Fox and Parrot Tavern has been re-inspected. During the follow-up, management made sure all of the critical violations were corrected. The new follow-up grade is a 92.
There’s also been a second inspection at a mobile unit in Knoxville. Taqueria La Princess on Merchant Drive scored a 93 in its follow-up inspection. The previous grade had been a 71.
Restaurant health inspections are unannounced and they’re conducted every 6 months.
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