The sun is shining, I-95 has reopened, and the flood waters that have devastated wide swaths of Rhode Island are slowly beginning to recede—without the loss of lives. We now begin to think about recovery—both how to get help if you’ve been affected by the flooding, and how to help your neighbors in need.
On my office website, I’ve posted a long list of flood information and contacts to put those in need in touch with those who can help. I want to call out a few critical contacts here. Because President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for Rhode Island, federal recovery assistance will be available to flood victims through FEMA; you can click here for details on how to apply for federal help.
In addition, businesses damaged in the flooding can apply for disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. You can download the SBA disaster loan fact sheet here.
For those who would like to help flood victims, the American Red Cross is seeking volunteers and donations for local recovery efforts that are sure to be ongoing for some time; call them at 401-831-7700 or visit www.riredcross.org.
As chair of the Emergency Management Advisory Council, I’ve been touring the state to assess damage and work with the Red Cross to help shelter those who had to evacuate. I’ve been so impressed by the resilience shown by those who had to leave their homes—and who aren’t yet sure what they may return to. We can look to them as an example of how to cope with this adversity.
Certainly the flooding is a tough blow during an already-tough time for many Rhode Islanders, but I know together we will pull through this. I’m here to help you; please feel free to call my office at 222-2371 if you have flood-related questions, and we’ll do our best to answer. Be safe and take care.