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H1N1 Influenza (Swine flu)

What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

For more information on Swine Influenza please visit the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

H1N1 Flu Questions and Answers
Travel Alerts

Hurricane Forecast 2009: 6 Expected in "Average" Season

As of April 7, 2009, the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project predicts the 2009 hurricane season to be less active that recent years, with only six atlantic hurricanes and a 12 named tropical storms expected to form.

Read the National Geographic Article here.

Read the full Extended Range Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity from Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project

2008 Survey of Governor's Homeland Security Advisors

Among the key findings from the 2008 Survey which was released on March 9th, 2009 were:

• More than 75 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with their communication with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a significant increase compared to the 42 percent satisfaction rate reported in 2007;
• According to survey respondents, developing interoperable communications is the issue for which states most need federal assistance—in the form of funding and guidance;
• Survey respondents use their fusion centers as the primary method for sharing information with DHS;
• All respondents either have or are in the process of coordinating their homeland security plans with owners of privately-held critical infrastructure; and
• More than 80 percent of respondents have determined the homeland security roles and responsibilities for their National Guard personnel.

RIEMA Urges Municipalities to Prepare For Spring Flooding

In preparation for spring flooding, RIEMA is urging communities to be proactive in cleaning out storm drains, culverts and other catch basins.

Poorly working culverts can cause flooding that significantly damages roads and bridges.  A crushed or plugged culvert allows water to back up in roadside ditches, even during normal wet weather. This contributes to road deterioration because standing water prevents drainage from the road base and subgrade areas.
   
Municipalities are urged to inspect culverts at least once a year and prioritize the needed repair and maintenance, and schedule it through the spring, summer, and fall.

A guide to culvert maintenance is included below:

Spring
• Inspect inside as well as both ends of the pipe.
• Remove blockages (trash, brush, etc.).
• Mark head walls or pipe ends for snowplow operators.

Summer
• Remove blockages.
• Clean and flush the length of the pipe.
• Repair, improve or install head walls, pipe ends, and splash pads.
• Trim and remove brush at pipe ends and mow grass and weeds • Cut and remove trees and limbs that threaten to fall and block upstream ditches.
• Establish vegetation on bare slopes at pipe ends.
• Add fill to cover pipe more thoroughly.

Fall
• Remove blockages.

Spring Flooding - Be Prepared!!

Flood Insurance Protects Against Flood Losses

Release Date: February 24, 2009
Release Number: R1-09-003

Boston - Many New England residents are unaware that most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage; and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages every homeowner, business owner or renter to seriously consider flood insurance. If you don't buy it now, you may be left without any insurance coverage when you need it most.

New England is consistently threatened by severe storms and heavy rains throughout the spring and summer seasons.

As more than 123,000 policy holders in New England can attest, flood insurance is the best way to protect against the damaging effects of flooding. In fact, New England policy-holders share more than $26 billion in coverage.

Homeowners can insure their home from flooding for up to $250,000 and its contents for up to $100,000. Renters can cover their belongings for up to $100,000. Non-residential property owners can insure a building and its contents for up to $500,000 each. The average homeowners flood insurance premium for New England policyholders is approximately $950 a year. There is a generally a 30-day waiting period before a policy becomes effective.

Property owners, renters and business owners - you can purchase flood insurance if your community is among the more than 20,200 communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). To purchase flood insurance, you should contact your local insurance agent. You can also visit FloodSmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419 to find an agent in the area or learn more about flood insurance.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Visit FEMA's Top Ten Reasons to Buy Flood Insurance or Spring Flooding Media Kit.