Cranston, RI --- The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) announced today that the State EOC will be operational 24/7 to assist in issues related to flooding. Continuous rain has caused major problems for residents. Flooding will continue as the rain tapers off. We are asking all citizens to use caution and look out for fallen debris, flooded streets and loose gravel. Rhode Island State Police (RISP), Department of Environmental Management (DEM), National Guard, Red Cross, Department of Transportation (DOT) FEMA are assisting RIEMA in with process. Attached are situational reports from the agencies involved.
NEXT SCHEDULED PRESS CONFERENCE 6:00PM AT RIEMA.
RISP No Major Highways closed
DEM The national Centers for Disease Control offers precautions about flood waters that affected Rhode Islanders should heed. Flood waters may contain fecal material from overflowing sewage systems, and agricultural and industrial byproducts. Although skin contact with flood water does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk, there is some risk of disease from eating or drinking anything contaminated with flood water. If you have any open cuts or sores that will be exposed to flood water, keep them as clean as possible by washing well with soap to control infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.
Combined sewer overflows which typically occur in the Narragansett Bay Commission and Newport sewer systems
Communities are experiencing excessive sewer system flows leading to sewer system and pump station overflows into local streets, water bodies and homes All waters north of a line from Black Point in Narragansett to Beaver Tail Point in Jamestown to Brenton Point in Newport;
All waters north of a line from Sachusest Point in Middletown to Sakonnet Point, in Little Compton; and,
All waters north of a line from Watch Hill Point in Westerly to Point Judith in Narragansett.
National Guard Transportation vehicles on stand by Sand bags on stand by
RIEMA Local EOC Activations: Smithfield, Coventry, Hopkinton, Burrillville, North Providence Evacuations: Exeter (voluntary below Dorset Mill dam); Providence (Valley St. area); Richmond (voluntary town wide); Lincoln (voluntary); Burrillville ( Mandatory of low lying areas adjacent to Harrisville dam); Shelters: Open in Smithfield, Cranston, East Greenwich, Richmond, Exeter, West Warwick, Providence, and North Providence.
All requests for information should be directed to (401) 946-9996