Rhode Islanders advised to start winter preparations

THE R.I. Emergency Management Agency and Gov. Gina M. Raimondo are reminding residents to start preparing for winter, especially after last winter was one of the snowiest on record for the state.  / PBN FILE PHOTO/FRANK MULLIN
THE R.I. Emergency Management Agency and Gov. Gina M. Raimondo are reminding residents to start preparing for winter, especially after last winter was one of the snowiest on record for the state. / PBN FILE PHOTO/FRANK MULLIN

CRANSTON – It’s never too early to start preparing for the winter season, according to the R.I. Emergency Management Agency and the governor.

“Rhode Islanders are used to getting our fair share of winter weather, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need to prepare each year,” Gov. Gina M. Raimondo said in a statement. “Last winter, we faced one of our snowiest seasons on record and very cold temperatures that caused challenges ranging from a statewide travel ban to structural collapses. I want to remind Rhode Islanders to be ready for this year by gathering necessary supplies before the snow arrives. It’s also important to take care of one another – I encourage everyone to check in on neighbors and loved ones to make sure that they are properly prepared for any potential winter weather.”
RIEMA Director Peter Gaynor said the winter season does not “officially begin” until Dec. 21, but it preparations can begin now.
“Although NOAA forecasters predicted above-average temperatures for the Northeast in their latest U.S. winter outlook, cold air outbreaks and snow storms are still very likely to occur. We encourage families and businesses to prepare by developing a communications plan, making a kit of essential care items and being prepared for the potential financial impacts of winter-related events,” Gaynor said.
RIEMA recommends the following preparedness tips before the onset of winter weather:

  • Make a disaster?supply kit.
  • Practice a family emergency communications plan.
  • Check on elderly family, friends and neighbors to make sure they are properly prepared. The elderly are especially susceptible to extremely cold temperatures.
  • Make sure at least one room can be heated in a home if power or a furnace is not available.
  • Before using a fireplace, have the chimney inspected by a certified inspector.
  • Caulk and weather?strip doors and windows to keep cold out.
  • Install storm windows.
  • Insulate water pipes to keep them from freezing.
  • Know how to shut off water valves.
  • Make sure vehicle tires have enough tread on them and consider installing winter tires.
  • Consider purchasing and installing a generator in case there is an extended power outage. Make sure the generator is installed by a certified professional.
  • Be aware of parking bans as some communities may issue one prior to a winter storm event.

Follow RIEMA on Facebook at facebook.com/RhodeIslandEMA and Twitter at @RhodeIslandEMA for winter-related preparedness tips and winter storm updates.
Visit RIEMA’s website at www.riema.ri.gov to sign up for CodeRED and receive free emergency alerts.

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