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 will need to describe what damage(s) happened on which date to ensure you’re applying under the correct disaster.FEMA Assistance - Several ways for homeowners and renters to apply. 1. Visit the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at: Curtis Corner Middle School 301 Curtis Corner Road Wakefield, RI 02879 - Hours of operation: 8 a.m.– 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays. Closed Sundays. 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), available 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.
Floodplain Mapping As part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the federal government provides Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) to municipalities that agree to regulate development in high risk flood areas. The maps identify flood prone areas that form the basis for the federally backed flood insurance rates. A FIRM is an official map on which FEMA has delineated both the special flood hazard areas (SFHA) and the lower risk premium zones applicable to the community. SFHAs depict areas subject to the 1% annual chance flood (or base flood). The A and V zones are designated as SFHAs on the maps. Lower risk areas, 0.2% annual chance flood, are displayed to demonstrate extent of potential flooding. The FEMA Map Service Center (MSC) serves as the official public source for flood hazard information produced in support of the NFIP. To support user accessibility, FEMA has developed a tutorial on how to locate a FIRM and create a smaller map printout (FIRMette) through the MSC website. Flood Insurance Rate Maps FIRMs are typically used to determine: If a structure is in a floodplain The flood insurance zone that applies to the structure The approximate base flood elevation for the site Flood Zone Descriptions Zone Risk Type Description X (Unshaded) Low to Moderate Area of minimal flood hazard. X (Shaded) Low to Moderate Areas subject to inundation by the 0.2% annual-chance flood event. A High Areas subject to inundation by the 1% annual-chance flood event generally determined using approximate methodologies. AE High Areas subject to inundation by the 1% annual-chance flood event determined by detailed methods. AH High Areas subject to inundation by the 1% annual-chance shallow flooding (usually areas of ponding) where average depths are between 1-3 ft. AO High Areas subject to inundation by the 1% annual-chance shallow flooding (usually sheet flow) where average depths are between 1-3 ft. VE High - Coastal Coastal areas subject to inundation by the 1% annual-chance flood event with additional hazards due to storm-induced velocity wave action. Rhode Island Floodplain Mapping Tool The Rhode Island Floodplain Mapping Tool is an online mapping resource. The Tool provides users with flood risk information relative to residences, businesses, or other structures statewide. While the tool is not intended for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes, it does provide users with an approximate flood zone determination relative to the flood hazard areas delineated on FEMA’s FIRMs. Multiple links are embedded in the program to guide users towards relevant information pertaining to the National Flood Insurance Program. Click here to access the Rhode Island Floodplain Mapping Tool* Letter of Map Change A Letter of Map Change (LOMC) reflects an official amendment or revision of the FIRM. If the LOMC request is granted, property owners may be eligible for lower flood insurance premiums or the option to not purchase flood insurance. Professional Land Surveyors may complete this form and submit to FEMA for consideration either electronically or hard copy. The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulations maintains a list of licensed design professionals capable of completing a FEMA Elevation Certificate. Additional Resources FEMA Resources Elevation Certificate Flood Insurance Manual Flood Mapping How to Make a FIRMette How to Change Flood Zone Designation Map Service Center Map Specialist Contact Information Rhode Island Resources RIEMA Floodplain Mapping Tool Rhode Island Geographic Information System