R.I. officials preparing for hurricane

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT officials are preparing for Hurricane Joaquin as it moves up the Atlantic Coast, and they are using Rhode Islanders to do the same.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT officials are preparing for Hurricane Joaquin as it moves up the Atlantic Coast, and they are using Rhode Islanders to do the same.

PROVIDENCE – Emergency management officials are preparing for Hurricane Joaquin as it moves up the Atlantic Coast, and they are urging Rhode Islanders to do the same.
“My number one priority through every storm is making sure Rhode Islanders are safe,” Gov. Gina M. Raimondo said in a statement. “As the state continues to monitor Hurricane Joaquin, I urge everyone to prepare. Now is an excellent time to go over your family’s emergency communications plans and put together a disaster-supply kit. Please check the news and social media for updates and make sure to take extra caution on the roads as the rain and winds continue over the next few days.”
Raimondo is working with various state agencies and the state police on storm preparation.
R.I. Emergency Management Agency Director Peter Gaynor said the State Emergency Operations Center is not currently activated, but officials are in “constant communications with our emergency operations partners and are fully prepared to activate when necessary.”
Officials released the following tropical storm and hurricane preparedness tips:

  • Gather a disaster-supply kit that includes water, food, flashlight, extra batteries and weather radio.
  • Develop a family communications plan in case family members are separated during an emergency.
  • Know local emergency evacuation routes by visiting the RIEMA website at www.riema.ri.gov/prepare/evacuation. Also visit the website to register for free emergency notifications from local and state officials.
  • Remove outdoor decorations and bring in lawn furniture.
  • Clear leaves, sticks and other debris from nearby storm drains to avoid clogging that could lead to street flooding.
  • Before a power outage, turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting.
  • Remember to treat all downed utility lines as live and dangerous.

The governor’s office said that as of noon on Thursday, the track of Hurricane Joaquin remains uncertain. The category 4 hurricane – that category is considered a major hurricane because of the potential for significant loss of life and damage – is currently along the Bahamas.
It said that the National Weather Service predicts Rhode Island to experience heavy rains, strong winds and storm surge associated with Joaquin early next week.
“The track of this storm, which is widespread and uncertain at this time, will determine where the heaviest rainfall and winds will occur in the next several days,” a news release from Raimondo’s office reads.

No posts to display