Mitigation For Businesses

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: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays)

b. Warwick Fire Department - Station 10, 225 Potowomut Road, Warwick, RI 02818
(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.

Mitigation For Businesses

Hazards such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, widespread illnesses, and power outages cannot always be prevented by businesses. Accidents happen and can result in business disruption and property damage. For those hazards that cannot be prevented, there are still many opportunities to reduce the potential impacts on life, property and business.

Strategies

There are many mitigation strategies that can reduce damage from hazards. The first is site selection. Selecting a building site that is not subject to flood, storm surge, or in proximity to hazardous facilities should be one of the first considerations. Building construction should meet state building codes that include requirements for fire protection and life safety. High valued assets including computer systems, expensive production equipment and hazardous processes should be carefully reviewed to determine protective measures.

Strategies to mitigate business disruption include providing redundant power supplies, such as an emergency standby generator for critical equipment. Development of a business continuity plan with recovery strategies is another method of mitigation. Computer network security should also be evaluated to determine whether electronic information is secure.

Insurance

Purchasing insurance is a way to reduce the financial impact of a business interruption, loss, or damage to a facility or equipment. Insurance companies provide coverage for property damage, business interruption, workers’ compensation, general liability, and other losses. Insurers only pay when the hazard that caused the loss is insured by a policy. Losses caused by a flood are not be covered by standard property insurance policies. Flood insurance coverage for a business located within a flood zone may be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program. Coverage for other hazards, such as mold, may be provided as part of the basic property insurance but the amount of loss payable under the policy may be limited.

Review your insurance policies with your agents, brokers or directly with your insurer to determine whether your insurance policies adequately cover your potential losses. Download the Insurance Coverage Review Worksheet from Ready.gov to keep track of your insurance policies and know how you are covered at all times.

Strategies

Insurance

Additional Resources