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.
Earthquakes An earthquake is the sudden, rapid shaking of the Earth. They occur when rocks below the Earth's surface break and shift. When this happens, strain is released that has built up over time. There are 45 states and territories that have a medium or high risk for an earthquake to occur. If an earthquake occurs in an area where there are a lot of homes or businesses, it can cause many injuries or deaths and extensive property damage. While the State of Rhode Island has not experienced a major earthquake, it has experienced minor tremors. Rhode Island has also felt earthquakes that occurred in neighboring New England States, New York, and Canada. Since these tremors continue to take place, and larger earthquakes are possible, it is important to be prepared. Download our Earthquake Safety Guide to prepare yourself and your family. Earthquake Safety Guide PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Additional Resources U.S. Geological Survey of Rhode Island Disaster Supply Kit PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Family Emergency Communications Plan PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes