Governor Raimondo Reminds Rhode Islanders to Prepare for Severe Weather

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Governor Gina M. Raimondo today released the following statement reminding Rhode Islanders to prepare for severe winter weather.

“The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for all of Rhode Island forMonday night through Wednesday morning. We are hard at work tracking the path of the storm, positioning our assets, and preparing to respond. I will remain in regular communication with all of the appropriate agencies, as well as with our municipal and federal partners. Rhode Island will be as ready as possible, but make no mistake: this could be a very severe and dangerous weather event. We will continue to keep you updated before, during, and after the storm.

“I urge all Rhode Islanders to also take the steps necessary now, ahead of the storm, to be prepared. This includes making sure to have sufficient food, water, and fuel for the next few days. You can find more information on this below, and please continue to follow the news for new updates.”

Important Information and Preparedness Tips

Everyone should have supplies for at least three days:

• Some non-perishable food, bottled water
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• A portable radio in case of power outages
• Freshly-stocked first-aid kit
• Essential prescription medicines
• Baby-care items
• Extra blankets
• A fire extinguisher
• Sufficient heating fuel

Safety & Travel Preparedness:

·         Snow will be very heavy and wet in some areas. When shoveling, remember to take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion. Keep fire hydrants clear of snow.

·         Make sure that generators are operated away from the home and in a well ventilated area to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

·         Plan long trips carefully, listening to the news/media for the latest weather forecasts and road conditions.

·         Make an emergency supply kit for your vehicle, in addition to the emergency supply kit for your home. Include a shovel, jumper cables, and a bag of sand

·         Travel during the day, and if possible, try to take someone along with you

·         Keep your gas tank full

·         Install good winter tires with adequate tread

·         Check your windshield wiper fluid

·         National Weather Service recommends that all boats should be in port by Noon on Monday.

Winter storm may cause isolated power outages.

Remember: Do NOT call 911 to report a power outage.

Contact National Grid at 1-800-465-1212.

Please monitor social media and the news media for continued updates:

• Governor’s Office
• RIEMA
• RIDOT
• RISP
• National Grid
• National Weather Service

Announcement from Serve Rhode Island:

Serve Rhode Island is seeking volunteers to help remove one to two feet of snow after the storm of blizzard conditions forecasted for Monday and Tuesday. 

Volunteers will be needed after the storm through Thursday to help elderly and disabled residents with snow removal.  Serve Rhode Island will coordinate requests from elderly and disabled residents and assign snow removal jobs as volunteers become available.

Volunteers can sign up online by going to Serve Rhode Island’s website or clicking this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SRI_SAFE-D

Residents who are elderly or disabled and who need snow removal assistance should call Serve Rhode Island at 401-331-2298 beginning Monday morning at 9:00 AM.  For all other needs, people should call United Way-2-1-1.