A Message from Executive Director J. David Smith:

Welcome to the Web site of the State of Rhode Island's Emergency Management Agency. It is my honor and privilege to lead the department in its primary mission of protecting life and property in the event of a disaster or crises situation, through a program of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

Thank you for visiting our home page and we hope you find our Web site helpful in answering any questions you have regarding the various activites of RIEMA. If there's something you would like to see here, please let us know. Please look around and check back often as we will continue to add content and functionality to this site. You can send us your comments/suggestions.

H1N1 Influenza (Swine flu)

What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

For more information on Swine Influenza please visit the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

H1N1 Flu Questions and Answers

Travel Alerts

Serving Rhode Island Week

May 9-16, 2009

Serve Rhode Island is organizing a week of celebrating and promoting volunteerism throughout the state, May 9 through 16, in order to increase the number of volunteers offering their service to address the many needs of our state.  We invite the participation of all who want to help.

Read the Press Release and check out the Serve Rhode Island Website to learn more.

Hurricane Forecast 2009: 6 Expected in "Average" Season

As of April 7, 2009, the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project predicts the 2009 hurricane season to be less active that recent years, with only six atlantic hurricanes and a 12 named tropical storms expected to form.

Read the National Geographic Article here.

Read the full Extended Range Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity from Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project

2008 Survey of Governor's Homeland Security Advisors

Among the key findings from the 2008 Survey which was released on March 9th, 2009 were:

• More than 75 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with their communication with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a significant increase compared to the 42 percent satisfaction rate reported in 2007;
• According to survey respondents, developing interoperable communications is the issue for which states most need federal assistance—in the form of funding and guidance;
• Survey respondents use their fusion centers as the primary method for sharing information with DHS;
• All respondents either have or are in the process of coordinating their homeland security plans with owners of privately-held critical infrastructure; and
• More than 80 percent of respondents have determined the homeland security roles and responsibilities for their National Guard personnel.

RIEMA Urges Municipalities to Prepare For Spring Flooding

In preparation for spring flooding, RIEMA is urging communities to be proactive in cleaning out storm drains, culverts and other catch basins.

Poorly working culverts can cause flooding that significantly damages roads and bridges.  A crushed or plugged culvert allows water to back up in roadside ditches, even during normal wet weather. This contributes to road deterioration because standing water prevents drainage from the road base and subgrade areas.
   
Municipalities are urged to inspect culverts at least once a year and prioritize the needed repair and maintenance, and schedule it through the spring, summer, and fall.

A guide to culvert maintenance is included below:

Spring
• Inspect inside as well as both ends of the pipe.
• Remove blockages (trash, brush, etc.).
• Mark head walls or pipe ends for snowplow operators.

Summer
• Remove blockages.
• Clean and flush the length of the pipe.
• Repair, improve or install head walls, pipe ends, and splash pads.
• Trim and remove brush at pipe ends and mow grass and weeds
• Cut and remove trees and limbs that threaten to fall and block upstream ditches.
• Establish vegetation on bare slopes at pipe ends.
• Add fill to cover pipe more thoroughly.

Fall
• Remove blockages