State Emergency Operations Plan | Emergency Management Agency

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 must describe what damage(s) happened on which date to ensure you’re applying under the correct disaster.

FEMA Assistance - There are several ways for homeowners and renters to apply.

1. Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at:

a. Cumberland Public Library, 1464 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI 02864
(Open: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays)

b. Warwick Fire Department - Station 10, 225 Potowomut Road, Warwick, RI 02818
(Open: 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays.)

c. Coventry Town Hall Annex, 1675 Flat River Road, Coventry, RI 02879
(Open: 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays.)

d. Knightsville Manor (Community Room), 85 Briggs Street, Cranston, RI 02920
(Open: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays.)

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) 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.

State Emergency Operations Plan

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) has developed the State Emergency Operations Plan (SEOP) to provide an overview of the State’s approach to emergency management. The document focuses on coordination and planning for large scale disaster which can generate unique situations requiring extraordinary response and recovery operations by the State.

The SEOP outlines how RIEMA coordinates resources, personnel and equipment from State agencies, the Federal government, local governments, voluntary organizations, and private sector stakeholders. The basic objectives of the plan are to protect the lives and property of the citizens of the State of Rhode Island in time of emergency or disaster and to restore those facilities and services which have sustained loss or damage.

All State officials and governing authorities of political subdivisions of the State are “Civil Government in Action’ during an emergency, and all organizations and individuals affected by the Plan shall adopt it as the basis for emergency planning and operations. This Plan is designed to complement other emergency plans and standard operating procedures of all State agencies

All recipients are directed to advise the Emergency Management Agency Director of any changes which might result in the improvement or increase of its usefulness. Amendments or additions to the SEOP may be issued from time to time as directives by the Director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency.