A Message from Executive Director J. David Smith:

Welcome to the Web site of the State of Rhode Island's Emergency Management Agency. It is my honor and privilege to lead the department in its primary mission of protecting life and property in the event of a disaster or crises situation, through a program of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

Thank you for visiting our home page and we hope you find our Web site helpful in answering any questions you have regarding the various activites of RIEMA. If there's something you would like to see here, please let us know. Please look around and check back often as we will continue to add content and functionality to this site. You can send us your comments/suggestions.

STEP Program

STEP Award from RIEMA on Vimeo. | More about STEP

Marieville Elementary School wins National STEP Award

H1N1 Influenza (Swine flu)

What is H1N1 (swine flu)?
H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

Remember these everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of illness, including H1N1:

 

• Wash your hands.
• Sneeze and cough into your elbow.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits.

For more information on Swine Influenza please visit the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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H1N1 Flu Questions and Answers | Travel Alerts

Hurricane Forecast 2009: 6 Expected in "Average" Season

As of April 7, 2009, the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project predicts the 2009 hurricane season to be less active that recent years, with only six atlantic hurricanes and a 12 named tropical storms expected to form.

Read the National Geographic Article here.

Read the full Extended Range Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity from Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project

2008 Survey of Governor's Homeland Security Advisors

Among the key findings from the 2008 Survey which was released on March 9th, 2009 were:

• More than 75 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with their communication with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a significant increase compared to the 42 percent satisfaction rate reported in 2007;
• According to survey respondents, developing interoperable communications is the issue for which states most need federal assistance—in the form of funding and guidance;
• Survey respondents use their fusion centers as the primary method for sharing information with DHS;
• All respondents either have or are in the process of coordinating their homeland security plans with owners of privately-held critical infrastructure; and
• More than 80 percent of respondents have determined the homeland security roles and responsibilities for their National Guard personnel.