Debris Management

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.

Debris Management

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) recommends that local governments, tribal authorities, and private non-profit organizations take a proactive approach to coordinating and managing debris removal operations as part of their overall emergency management plan. Communities with a debris management plan are better prepared to restore public services and ensure the public's health and safety in the aftermath of a disaster. They are also better positioned to receive the maximum amount of assistance that is made available to them from FEMA and other participating entities.

The core components of a comprehensive debris management plan incorporates best practices in debris removal, reflects FEMA's eligibility criteria, and addresses the specific needs and unique circumstances of each municipality. Debris Management Plans should consist of programmatic and operational considerations for the removal of debris that stems from an emergency or disaster.

We encourage local officials to review their community's vulnerability to varying disasters and to consider how to manage large-scale debris clearance, removal, and disposal operations should the need arise. RIEMA is available to provide additional technical assistance in your area if requested.

An electronic version of all Debris Management resources and policies are available on FEMA's website at fema.gov.

Debris Management Resources

In anticipation of a storm event with the potential to generate debris, visit FEMA's Public Assistance website for additional resources and publications.

If you have questions regarding debris management in your jurisdiction, please contact the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency at (401) 946-9996 for more information.

Debris Management Resources

Additional Resources