Initiatives
By working closely with partner agencies and collaborating with local, state, and federal partners, RIEMA spearheads and supports several initiatives across the state to enhance emergency preparedness, resilience, and response capabilities.
Sound the Alarm
The American Red Cross Sound the Alarm initiative is a nationwide campaign aimed at reducing home fire deaths and injuries by installing free smoke alarms, replacing batteries, and educating families on fire safety. Through community outreach and volunteer efforts, the program helps ensure that households—especially those in at-risk communities—are better prepared to prevent and respond to home fires.
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Stop the Bleed
A dedicated initiative of the Rhode Island Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT) - Medical Reserve Corps, this project is committed to equipping civilian bystanders with lifesaving skills in bleeding control. Through hands-on training and education, participants learn how to recognize life-threatening bleeding, apply pressure, use tourniquets, and administer other critical first-aid techniques. By empowering individuals with the knowledge and confidence to take action in an emergency, this initiative strengthens community resilience and improves survival outcomes during crisis situations.
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Power Up
RIEMA is empowering Rhode Island residents with its Mobile Charging Trailer and Charging Stations. Equipped with solar panels, the trailer harnesses renewable energy to charge and power batteries, allowing it to operate independently and recharge electronic devices. It features charging cables for iPhone, Android, and USB-C devices, ensuring accessibility for all users.
This mobile resource is deployed at major events across the state, including the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals, providing attendees with a reliable power source. Additionally, during emergency power outages, the trailer can be mobilized to restore power to essential devices, keeping residents connected when it matters most.
Storm Ready
StormReady is a nationwide program that helps communities strengthen their ability to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events, from tornadoes to winter storms. Using a grassroots, proactive approach, the program provides emergency managers with clear guidelines to enhance local hazardous weather operations.
Rhode Island is home to 40 StormReady sites across the state, demonstrating a strong commitment to weather preparedness and community resilience. To become officially StormReady, a community must:
- Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center
- Have multiple methods to receive and relay severe weather warnings and forecasts
- Implement a local weather monitoring system
- Promote public readiness through community education and seminars
- Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, including training severe weather spotters and conducting emergency exercises