This month, our RIEMA External Affairs and Preparedness Team partnered with the Pawtucket and Scituate Senior Centers to host Preparedness BINGO! 🎉 Between rounds of BINGO, representatives from our partner agencies, including @RIHEALTH , @liveunitedri, the @HealthyAgingRI, @RIRedCross , @femaregion1, and @RIPTA_RI , shared valuable information with seniors about emergency preparedness, available resources, and how to plan for their individual needs during an emergency. We’re grateful to our partners and participating senior centers for helping us make preparedness engaging, accessible, and fun for our communities!

Would you know if an emergency was happening in your community? Make sure you can receive important emergency information before you need it. RIEMA encourages Rhode Islanders to sign up for local emergency notifications in their city and make sure emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile devices. Emergency alerts can provide critical information about severe weather, hazards, evacuations, and other emergencies. Sign up at riema.maps.arcgis.com/apps/i…

RIEMA’s State Floodplain Manager recently addressed the Building Code Standards Committee on the importance of floodplain regulation variances and their potential impact on municipalities’ standing in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). These discussions help ensure communities understand the importance of complying with federal floodplain management requirements to reduce flood risk and protect residents.

As temperatures drop and the leaves begin to change, take a few minutes to prepare your home for fall. Clean leaves and debris from gutters and drains, check outdoor lighting, have your heating system inspected, and test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Keep walkways clear of leaves and other hazards, and make sure your emergency kit is stocked and ready for the season. A little fall maintenance can help prevent bigger problems later. 🍂

🔥 It’s National Fire Prevention Week! A fire can spread quickly, but taking a few minutes to prepare can make a difference. Many of the devices we use every day rely on rechargeable batteries. Following a few simple charging practices can help reduce the risk of fire. 🔌 Cheap charger? Don’t chance it. Use the charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. 🛋️ Soft surface? Hard pass. Charge devices on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or bare floor. 🔋 Fully charged? Time to unplug. Unplug your device once it is fully charged. 🛴 For tools and rides, charge outside. When possible, charge larger items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outdoors. Never block exits while charging. 🌡️ Feels hot? Stop using it. If a device feels very hot, swells, leaks, smells unusual, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds, stop using it.

Preparedness isn’t just about severe weather and emergencies — it also means protecting your information, devices, and digital life. This month, take a few simple steps to improve your cybersecurity: Use strong, unique passwords Turn on multifactor authentication Keep your devices and software updated Watch for suspicious emails, texts, and links For more information visit cisa.gov/cybersecurity-aware…

During an emergency or disaster, knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference. United Way 2-1-1 connects Rhode Islanders with information, resources, and support for a wide range of needs. Visit unitedwayri.org/get-help/2-1… for more information about services offered.

Strong winds and heavy rain can cause power outages. If you lose power: • Use flashlights instead of candles when possible. • Keep refrigerators and freezers closed to preserve food. • Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from power surges. • Never use a generator indoors, in a garage, or near windows. • Stay away from downed power lines and report them to Rhode Island Energy.

Heavy rain from the coastal storm may lead to flooding, especially in low-lying and poor-drainage areas. Coastal communities may also experience coastal flooding and rising water levels. If you encounter flooding: • Avoid flooded roads and areas where water is covering the roadway. • Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Never drive or walk through floodwater. • Just a few inches of moving water can be dangerous and may hide hazards beneath the surface. • If you are in an area experiencing flooding, move to higher ground when it is safe to do so. Also, be sure to clear leaves and debris from drains and storm drains, as strong winds can cause them to become clogged and prevent water from draining properly. Stay informed by monitoring local forecasts and emergency alerts and never ignore evacuation or emergency instructions from local officials. Se pronostican fuertes lluvias que pueden provocar inundaciones repentinas peligrosas. Tenga precaución en carreteras. Además, recuerde nunca conducir a través de las corrientes de inundaciones.

With the upcoming storms, be sure to stay up to date on transportation changes and service updates. Visit our website for the latest information at riema.ri.gov/weather-brief