Since its founding, the primary mission of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) has been to protect life and property in the event of a disaster or crises situation, through a program of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Guided by these four principles, RIEMA has made great strides in its effort to improve emergency preparedness in the state of Rhode Island.

Some recent accomplishments of the Rhode Island EMA include a partnership with the Institute for Business and Home Safety through the Showcase State initiative. This initiative is intended to assist the local business community in becoming better prepared for disaster and emergency situations. Another important accomplishment in the field of disaster mitigation relates to RIEMA's efforts, in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Project Impact, to establish local hazard mitigation plans in every Rhode Island community.

To date, 39 Rhode Island cities and towns are actively developing and implementing local hazard mitigation strategies. This extraordinary response by our community leaders was recently recognized by FEMA, as Rhode Island was given the Outstanding State Award for its diligent work in laying the foundation for the acceptance and practice of hazard mitigation and prevention strategies throughout the Nation.

In addition to hazard mitigation, the Rhode Island EMA has also made great progress in the area of emergency preparedness. The development of the Agency's new internet site has greatly improved the communication channel between RIEMA and the citizens it serves to protect. As our online content continues to grow, many of our disaster mitigation strategies and other useful resources are now just a mouse click away.

Although one can only really implement response and recovery efforts after a disaster strikes, the Rhode Island EMA continuously tests its capabilities through comprehensive state wide drills. The relocation of our Emergency Operations Center has also greatly improved coordination between our agency and the National Guard resources that will be so vital should a disaster or emergency situation ever impact our state.While much has been accomplished, as the State's coordinating agency during a disaster, the Rhode Island EMA remains dedicated to finding additional ways to prepare and protect our citizens in the years ahead.