Assistance for Severe Weather and Flooding that occurred in December 2023 and January 2024 Residents of Kent, Providence, and Washington counties, who were affected by severe storms and flooding that occurred between December 17-19, 2023, and between January 9-13, 2024, can apply for federal assistance. Homeowners and renters who received property loss or damages by either disaster in those counties have until May 20, 2024, to apply. When applying for assistance, you will need to describe what damage(s) happened on which date to ensure you’re applying under the correct disaster.FEMA Assistance - Several ways for homeowners and renters to apply. 1. Visit the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at: Curtis Corner Middle School 301 Curtis Corner Road Wakefield, RI 02879 - Hours of operation: 8 a.m.– 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays. Closed Sundays. 2. Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Help is available in most languages. 3. Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov (also in Spanish). 4. Download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish), available at Google Play or the Apple App Store. To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube SBA Assistance - Ways to apply for low-interest disaster loans available to businesses and residents in Rhode Island 1. Visit the Business Recovery Center (BRC) at: North Providence Public Safety Complex 1835 Mineral Spring Avenue North Providence, RI 02904 - Hours of operation: 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Closed Sundays. 2. Apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. 3. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 4. Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov To view an accessible video on how to apply for SBA visit Reasons to apply for a SBA Loan.
Continuity Of Operations & Continuity Of Government During a disaster or unplanned event an entity's ability to perform essential functions may be significantly impacted. In the event of disruption, government agencies strive to maintain operations during a forecasted threat and return to full functionality as quickly as possible by implementing a prepared Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). The COOP plan should outline general guidance for altered operational procedures, personnel policies, and sustainment of essential functions. The document will provide an entity with guidance on how to utilize services and identify support necessary to keep their organization running during and after an emergency or disaster. Elements of a COOP Plan A comprehensive COOP will integrate the following elements: Essential Functions Human Capital/Key Personnel Delegations of Authority and Orders of Succession Communications Vital Records, Databases, Systems, and Equipment Alternate Facilities Reconstitution and Devolution Training, Exercise, and Evaluation Program of COOP Plan For more information on developing a COOP plan visit FEMA's Continuity of Operations site. Other Resources Key Definitions Delegation of Authority: Certain tasks that are assigned in anticipation of a COOP event from one employee to another. Devolution: The process of continuing essential functions only (worst-case scenario planning). Key Personnel: Personnel that perform essential functions and/or critical processes. Orders of Succession: Planning to fill a vacant position with an employee who can perform the position's tasks. Reconstitution: Returning to normal operations. Recovery Time: How soon functions, equipment, personnel, etc. can be up and running. Vital Records: Records essential to the protection of the legal and financial rights of an agency and of individuals directly affected by the agency's activities. Additional Resources Continuity Plan Template Pandemic Influenza ERG Member Planning Guide Reconstitution Template Devolution Template Exercise Plan Template Multi-Year Strategy and Program Management Plan