KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Emergency and road crews have prepared to respond to any emergency you might have in the incoming winter weather.

The rain has stopped Friday night; a big concern now is the roads freezing. Emergency crews say they've gotten ready to help you if you need them.

Mark Brooks with TDOT has his eyes out for you. "We're just preparing for the worst," he says.

Which could come if and when the rain turns to snow and slush on East Tennessee's roads.

"It's a potential for a nightmare. It's cold enough for ice. We may have some slick spots here in just a little while," he says.

Brooks patrols Knoxville's interstates as a Highway Incident Response Operator. You might not know him, but you've likely seen the bright Tennessee Department of Transportation HELP truck he drives. His main job is to help you and keep traffic moving, "whether that means getting an accident out of the road or minimize the traffic congestion as much as possible."

Brooks doesn't prepare for wintry weather physically. "Our trucks are set up for any type of weather." But he says he must prepare mentally: "It puts a little more stress on you. People make a lot of mistakes in this kind of weather. That causes accidents."

The Knoxville Volunteer Rescue Squad is also taking precautions, putting more stafff on standy at all stations.

"When Mother Nature tries to play some icy tricks on us, we're able to get more people in here so we're able to man more trucks," says volunteer Tyler Crabtree.

Volunteer rescuers also have chains on standby,ready to throw on tires, if needed.

"With those country back roads, those chains play a crucial role in getting us where we need to go to help those people who need us," says Crabtree.

Brooks reminds drivers,if you hit the road, don't forget to pack extra patience. "Just be courteous to each other and slow down."

If you're traveling over the weekend, you can get up-to-the-minute road conditions by calling 511. That will work in Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina and Virginia. For road conditions in nearby states, press option 3.

TDOT recommends you stay away from Interstates 26 and 81, due to the weather. You can get immediate updates by following TDOT at www.twitter.com/TN511.

TDOT says the biggest mistakes are following too closely and speeding.