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.
Floods Floods happen when excessive amounts of water cannot be contained or absorbed into the ground. Some floods develop slowly, while flash floods can happen in a few minutes without any visible warnings of rain. Floods are one of the most common hazards in the country. In Rhode Island, we are more likely to experience a flood during the spring and summer seasons. Types of Flooding There are 5 types of flooding that can affect Rhode Island: Riverine Flooding Occurs when a river reaches its flood stage, causing water to rise and spill over its banks. Usually occurs due to heavy rainfall lasting for an extended period of time. Flash Flooding Result of heavy localized rainfall such as that from slow moving intense thunderstorms. Often results from small creeks and streams overflowing during heavy rainfall. Coastal Flooding The flooding of normally dry, low-lying coastal land, primarily caused by severe weather events along the coast and adjoining rivers. Shallow Flooding Occurs in flat areas with inadequate or no defined channels. Shallow flooding types: Sheet flow: When water, usually storm runoff, flows in a thin layer over the ground surface. Ponding: When flowing water is held back or dammed up, forming a small lake/pond. Urban drainage: Flooding caused due to lack of drainage in an urban area. Tidal Flooding Many contributors to tidal flooding: Extreme high tides Heavy rains Coastal development For more information on tidal flooding, check out NOAA's informational short animated video on tidal flooding impacts. Damage stemming from flooding can be very expensive and in more severe instances, life threatening. Since floods can occur from a variety of reasons and during any time of the year, it is very important to prepare yourself and your family before flooding occurs. Download our Flood Preparedness Guide for preparedness tips and information on what to do before, during, and after a flood. Flood Preparedness Guide PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Additional Resources Flooding Preparedness Disaster-Supply Kit Family Emergency Communications Plan Floodsmart National Flood Insurance Program