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: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 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.
Preparedness We cannot predict when disasters or emergencies will strike, but we can work to make sure that all Rhode Islanders are prepared. Ideally, everyone should be prepared and have emergency resources available in the event of a disaster. Being prepared may sound like an overwhelming task, but it doesn't have to be. Follow three steps to get started: Make a Kit, Make a Plan, and Stay Informed. Make a Kit A disaster-supply kit should provide a collection of basic items that household members may need in the event of a disaster. A disaster-supply kit can be used in your home if there is an extended power outage or it could be used if you have to leave your home and go to a shelter. During an emergency, you will probably not have time to shop or search for the items you need. Start getting your kit together today! Download our Disaster-Supply Kit Checklist to help get you started. Once you have gathered all of your disaster kit supplies, it is important to store them properly so they are safe to use when you need them. Here are some tips to help keep your supplies safe and ready to use: Keep canned foods in a cool, dry place. Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented or corroded. Keep boxed foods in tightly-sealed plastic or metal containers. This protects the boxed food from pests and extends its shelf life. Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Write the date that you store items on the containers. Twice a year, check your disaster kit and make sure all items are in good working order. At the same time, check to see if there are any new items that need to be added to the disaster kit. Put all of your supplies in one or two easy to carry containers like a backpack, duffel bag, or a suitcase with wheels. Consider making disaster kits for work and for the car. Make a Plan Emergency plans can help to make sure you keep in contact with important family and friends. Create and practice a family communications plan in case you are separated during an emergency. Select a family meeting spot where everyone can go in case you are separated. Make sure all family members have an emergency contact list. The contact list should include a friend or family member that lives out of state as it may be easier to make a non-local call after an emergency. Learn where your city or town's shelter is located and how to get there. To help you and your family stay in touch with one another during an emergency or disaster, download and fill out our Family Emergency Communications Plan. Make sure that every family member has a copy of the plan and is familiar with the emergency contact information and the meeting location destinations. Stay Informed Reliable, accurate information is an essential resource before, during, and after an emergency or disaster. Ask officials about your city or town's emergency plan. Identify potential hazards in your own community and learn about when they can happen. Follow RIEMA Facebook | Twitter Related links: Ready.gov Additional Resources Disaster Supply Kit PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Family Emergency Communications Plan PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes