Declaration of Disaster Emergency

WHEREAS, beginning on December 17, 2023, the State of Rhode Island has experienced high winds and severe rainfall, causing uprooted vegetation, power outages, road closures, bridge travel restrictions, heavy storm surge with inundation damage, historically high river crests, extensive flooding, possible hazardous materials release, and evacuations from homes and businesses in many areas throughout the State; 

WHEREAS, as a result of the high winds and severe rainfall, public and private infrastructure, as well as homes and businesses in many areas throughout the State, have suffered and continue to suffer extensive damage; 

WHEREAS, cities and towns are requesting and will continue to need resources and support from the State's departments and agencies to assist them in recovering from the damages caused by the high winds and severe rainfall; and 

WHEREAS, the health, safety and welfare of citizens and businesses in the State are endangered, requiring state coordination, cooperation and action to help alleviate and recover from the conditions caused by this emergency. 

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 disaster emergency is declared for the State of Rhode Island due to the dangers to life and property caused by high wind and severe rainfall, and the state disaster emergency plan is activated. 

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, policies, compacts and agreements, to create and establish mobile support units, and to activate and deploy disaster response teams and disaster response workers to perform disaster response services. 

3. 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. 

4. All state agencies 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 RIEMA

This order shall take effect immediately.

So Ordered:

Daniel J. McKee

Governor