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. William Winsor Elementary School, 562 Putman Pike, Greenville, RI 02828 (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 Center The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency's State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC) provides a central location from which all state government can provide interagency coordination in support of any regional incident or local response. This is done by: information collection and evaluation, executive decision making, priority setting, management, coordination and tracking of resources, and interoperable communication facilitation to support any overall response efforts. The Local Emergency Operation Center provides immediate resource coordination and support to the on scene Incident Command. Upon request, the SEOC provides additional expertise, resources, and support. When the State resources are exceeded, the SEOC requests additional resource support and coordination assistance from other States by using the Emergency Management Assistant Compact or from the Federal Emergency Management Agency through the FEMA Region I Response Coordination Center to gain access to any Federal Resources needed. The State Emergency Operation Center operates under the guidance of the National Response Framework (NRF) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS provides the template for the management of incidents, while the NRF provides the structure and mechanisms for national-level policy for incident management. An important component of NIMS that guides the structure of the SEOC is the Incident Command System (ICS). ICS is a standardized, on-scene, all-hazards incident management approach that allows for the integration of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communications operating within a common organizational structure. Through ICS structure, the SEOC is staffed by predetermined Emergency Support Functions. Support to Locals The SEOC can assist the Local Emergency Operation Center or Local Incident Commander by: Centralizing Data Collection Creating a Common Operating Picture Evaluating Information for Executive Policy Decision Making Creating Strategic Planning & Priority Setting Managing, Coordinating, & Tracking Resources Providing Interoperable Communications Support Managing Public Information Administrative Support