Monday, July 1, 2024
Providence Emergency Management Agency Shares Important Safety Information
Mayor Brett P. Smiley today joined Councilor Sue AnderBois and Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Clara Decerbo at the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier to highlight the investments Providence is making to mitigate the impact of extreme weather and share important safety information about high heat, flooding and precautionary actions the public should take ahead of what is predicted to be an above-normal hurricane season.
“As a coastal city, the effects of climate change have had a tangible impact on our community and local businesses. In the last year we have experienced a surge in both extreme heat and flash flooding, often in the same week,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “That is why we are working across departments to make significant investments in our stormwater infrastructure and prioritizing initiatives and investments that build a more resilient city and protect our communities from natural disasters.”
In response to the increase of extreme weather, Mayor Smiley is investing in innovative solutions that make Providence more sustainable and less vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather. These investments include funds for critical repairs to the Providence Hurricane Barrier and enhancements to stormwater and sewer systems to better manage the increased volume of severe storms and flash floods. For months the Providence Department of Public Works crews have been proactively dredging canals to increase the City’s stormwater capacity and in the recently signed FY25 budget there is a nearly $136,000 allocation for a dedicated sewer team to further support flood mitigation.
“As we look forward to summer, we are preparing for another year with increasingly intense storms and high temperatures. We’ve already experienced our first ‘heat dome’, with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees in June,” said Sue AnderBois, Ward 3 City Councilor & Chair of the Council Special Committee on the Environment and Resiliency. “The Council and Administration are working actively together to ensure that we are prepared both for this summer — and longer term for long-term effects of climate change. From investments and planning around stormwater management and flooding on our roadways and in homes and businesses to opening and operating cooling water features in our parks and recreation centers – we want to ensure that our residents are staying cool and staying safe in extreme weather in every neighborhood. Please check on your neighbors and also report any major issues to 311 and your City Councilor.”
The Smiley Administration is also establishing a network of Resiliency Hubs, spaces in recreational centers and community centered facilities that are designed to provide wrap around services year-round, address environmental inequities and support the community during extreme weather events. The Olneyville Resiliency Hub, the City’s first pilot Resiliency Hub, launched earlier this year at the Joslin Recreation Center. Staff at the Resiliency Hub coordinate community health activities and educational services and the hub will soon serve as a cooling or heating center during extreme weather events. Last month in response to high heat, the Smiley Administration activated the City’s cooling centers and opened water parks two weeks early to provide relief for community members during the heat wave.
“The Providence Emergency Management Agency is working collaboratively with Mayor Smiley and other City Departments to better prepare and protect our community from the rise of extreme weather events and what is anticipated to be an above-normal hurricane season,” said PEMA Director Clara Decerbo. “It is important for our community and local businesses to be informed about the resources available to them and the precautionary steps that should be taken to prepare for severe weather, including high heat, flash flooding and hurricanes. I encourage all of our neighbors to monitor the City of Providence’s social media for updates on heat and extreme weather advisories.”
PEMA is constantly monitoring national weather trends and urges the public to be aware of the dangerous forecasts predicted for this year’s hurricane season. According to recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University predictions, this year could bring as many as 25 named storms.
PEMA is encouraging community members to stay informed and take proper precautions to protect yourself and your family from extreme heat, flooding and hurricanes including:
- Signing up for CodeRED and PVD311 alerts to stay informed on the latest extreme storm alerts.
- To prepare for a hurricane, create an emergency plan and learn about evacuation routes.
- Learn more about the Providence Cooling Center locations near you to prepare for extreme heat.
- During a flood, remember to avoid flood-prone streets by rivers, clear debris from your storm drains, and do not enter closed or flooded streets. More information on flooding can be found here.
- For further information on Hurricane preparedness and evacuation tips, visit the FEMA website.