Declaration of Disaster Emergency

WHEREAS, a winter storm consisting of high winds, heavy snow and blizzard conditions is forecast to impact the entire State of Rhode Island on Saturday, January 29, 2022;

WHEREAS, heavy snow accumulations, drifting snow and high winds may result in dangerous driving conditions, road closures, stranded vehicles, power outages, structural damage, coastal flooding and other potential hazards which pose an imminent threat to public safety and to public and private property;

WHEREAS, the health, safety and resources of the people of the State of Rhode Island are endangered thereby; and

WHEREAS, consistent, coordinated and regional travel restrictions may be necessary to prevent motorists from becoming stranded and to enable public safety personnel to operate equipment and carry out tasks safely and effectively.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DANIEL J. McKEE, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Rhode Island, pursuant to Article IX of the Rhode Island Constitution and the Rhode Island General Laws, including, but not limited to, Title 30, Chapter 15, do hereby order and direct the following:

1. A state of disaster emergency is declared for the State of Rhode Island due to the dangers to life and property posed by this winter storm.

2. The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is directed to stand up the state emergency operations center and to activate all other necessary state emergency response plans and policies.

3. RIEMA is authorized to activate and deploy any and all mobile support units, if necessary, to assist in the response to this disaster.

4. The Adjutant General is authorized to order Rhode Island National Guard members to state active duty, if necessary, to assist in the response to this disaster.

5. Law enforcement and environmental authorities are directed to compel the evacuation or closure of all or part of the population from any stricken or threatened area within the State as deemed necessary for public safety, and to control ingress and egress to and from a stricken or threatened area.

6. All State departments, agencies or quasi-state agencies and boards and commissions performing executive functions shall cooperate fully with RIEMA in all matters concerning this Order.  Efforts to provide emergency disaster relief to affected cities and towns should be coordinated by and through the RIEMA.

7. The Director of the Department of Environmental Management is authorized, within his discretion, to suspend regulations governing fishery landing, if necessary, for the duration of this Order.

8. Effective from 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022 until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022, all tractor-trailers, except those carrying emergency supplies, are banned from travelling on all roads statewide.

9. Effective from 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022 until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022, there shall be a restriction on motor vehicle travel on all roads statewide.  This restriction shall not apply to the following:
   
   a) public safety vehicles and public safety workers, including contract personnel;
   
   b) public works vehicles and public works workers, including contract personnel;
   
   c) government officials conducting official business;
   
   d) utility company vehicles and utility workers;
   
   e) healthcare and pharmacy workers who must travel to and from work in order to provide essential health services;
   
   f) patients and their caregivers traveling for essential medical procedures; 
   
   g) news media;
   
   h) homeless or other shelter workers;
   
   i) travel necessary to maintain and deliver critical private sector services such as energy, fuel supplies and deliveries, financial systems and the delivery of critical commodities;
   
   j) travel to support business operations that provide critical services to the public, including airports, gasoline stations, grocery stores and hardware stores; and
   
   k) holders of corporate emergency access system credentials.

        Travel permitted under these exceptions does not include travel over the

        Newport or Jamestown bridge when either or both bridges are closed.

10. Pursuant to the emergency powers granted by the Rhode Island General Laws, and any other applicable provisions of state or federal law, I shall from time to time issue additional recommendations, directions and order as circumstances require, either written or verbal.
11. This Order shall take effect immediately and remain in full force and effect until the threat or danger has passed or the emergency conditions no longer exist.

So Ordered,

Daniel J. McKee

Governor