Community Emergency Response Team | Emergency Management Agency

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.

Community Emergency Response Team

The national Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is designed to train citizens to be better prepared to take care of themselves, family, friends, neighbors, and/or co-workers in the event of an emergency or disaster that may impact their community until trained emergency first responders arrive.

The RI CERT Program is designed to assist municipalities to effectively meet the challenges faced during natural and/or man-made incidents or events. The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) provides technical assistance and support to municipalities and qualified non-governmental organizations to establish and maintain a cadre of trained and equipped volunteers through recognized practices and standards within the capability building process of Planning, Organization, Equipment, Training and Exercise.

How do I find out more? CERTs are organized at the local level. Please contact your local Emergency Manager at riema.ri.gov or send us an email at riema.ri.gov/contact.

Does the CERT training have a fee? CERT training is free!

What does the CERT training consist of? Disaster Preparedness, Fire Suppression, Medical Operations, Light Search and Rescue Operations, Psychology and Team Organization, Course Review, and Disaster Simulation. The course takes about 20 hours of classroom work.

What do I receive upon successfully completing the course? A course completion certificate and CERT backpack w/ CERT logo, a CERT hard hat, Leather Work Gloves Safety Goggles Safety Vest, Flashlight, Gas Wrench and much more.