News, Media & Events: Rhode Island

Events


May 31, 2024 - May 31, 2024
Important Date
National Dam Safety Awareness Day
National Dam Safety Awareness Day Banner
National Dam Safety Awareness Day seeks to encourage and promote individual and community responsibility and best practices for dam safety, as well as what steps can be taken to prevent catastrophic dam failures. The theme for National Dam Safety Awareness Day 2023 on May 31, is, "Dam Safety is a shared responsibility. Know your risk, know your role, know the benefits of dams and take action."

Preparedness Tips

  • Floods: A few inches of water in a 1,000-square foot home could cost more than $10,000 in repairs and replacement of personal possessions. Homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover most floods. Learn more.
  • Hurricanes:  Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Make sure everyone in your household knows your hurricane plans, evacuation routes, and has several ways to receive alerts. There are also things you can do to strengthen your home ahead of time. Learn more.
  • Extreme heat: Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness, especially for older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals who are at greater risk. You can also take steps to weatherize your home ahead of time to keep the heat out. When dealing with excessive heat be sure to drink lots of water, avoid strenuous activity in the middle of the day and never leave children or pets in the car. Learn more.
  • Thunderstorms and lightning: Strengthen your home by cutting down or trimming trees that may be in danger of falling on your home. Sign up for your community’s warning system and when the thunder roars, go indoors and avoid using electronic devices and running water. Learn more.
  • Tornadoes: Sign up for your community’s warning system. If under a tornado warning, immediately go to a safe shelter such as a small, interior, windowless room or basement on the lowest level of a sturdy building. Learn more.

Press Releases and Fact Sheets

Rhode Island Storm Recovery - Keep in Touch, Stay on Track

Although the deadline to apply for FEMA assistance after the winter storms and flooding has passed, we are still available to help applicants.
illustration of page of paper Press Release |

FEMA Deadline Approaching: Don’t Delay, Apply Today

Homeowners and renters in Kent, Providence and Washington counties who had damage from the severe storm and flooding that took place from Dec. 17-19, 2023 and Jan. 9-13, 2024 have just one week left to apply for disaster assistance.
illustration of page of paper Press Release |

A Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Lincoln

The state of Rhode Island and FEMA have opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Lincoln in Providence County to help Rhode Island residents affected by the severe storms and flooding that took place from December 17-19, 2023, and January 9-13, 2024.
illustration of page of paper Press Release |
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