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Flood Information for Warren Residents
Disaster Contact Information from RIEMA
April 14, 2010Fire Chief Galinelli posted a Disaster Assistance flier from Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) and the FEMA. To apply for Disaster Assistance, please apply by phone at 1-800-621-3362.
Download the Flier.
Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation Offers Emergency Loans for Small Businesses Damaged by Floods
April 6, 2010Governor Carcieri and the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) announced the terms and conditions for the RIEDC Small Business Loan Fund’s (SBLF) Emergency Flood Fund.The SBLF Board has approved $500,000 in funding to be allocated to small businesses in need of flood recovery assistance. Existing manufacturers, retailers and selected service companies are eligible to apply for a minimum of $10,000 and maximum of $100,000. Businesses that have questions or would like to apply for assistance can call 401-278-9129. Full terms and conditions are outlined in the attachment.
Download RIEDC's announcement for more information.
The EPA Reminds the Public to
Avoid Contact with Contaminated Flood Water
The EPA cautions the public and emergency responders about the potential hazards associated with flood waters. Flood waters can contain unhealthy substances, including raw sewage and other hazardous substances. Every effort should be made to limit contact with flood water due to potentially elevated levels of contaminants. During heavy rains, sanitary sewers may overflow into floodwaters. Avoid contact with floodwater due to potential contamination with raw sewage and other hazardous substances. Avoid swimming and boating in floodwaters and do not allow children or pets to wade or play in floodwaters.
EPA offers the following guidelines for those in contact with flood water:
- Wash your hands before drinking and eating;
- Wash frequently using soap -- especially disinfecting soap;
- Do not smoke;
- Limit direct contact with contaminated flood water;
- Pay attention to any cuts or open wounds and limit exposure to flood water;
- Pay attention to any unusual symptoms and report them to health care professionals;
- Keep vaccinations current.
The public and emergency response personnel should follow guidelines from federal, state and local health and safety professionals. Early symptoms from exposure to contaminated flood water may include upset stomach, intestinal problems, headache and other flu-like discomfort. Anyone experiencing these and any other problems should immediately seek medical attention.
General precautions to reduce contact with contaminated flood include routine washing with soap, and not eating or drinking while in contact with flood water. These precautions can significantly help reduce potential exposure and illness. Anyone with open-wounds or pre-existing conditions should seek immediate consultation to prevent possible illness.
Notify response officials immediately if you are aware of oil spills or other potential contamination of flood waters by chemicals - call 1-800-424-8802.
EPA has compiled other useful information on the web to assist individuals and municipalities address post-flooding clean up concerns. Issues include mold, septic systems, municipal water treatment plants, drinking water and food.
More information:
- EPA’s website on floodwater: http://www.epa.gov/region1/topics/water/flooding.html
- Sanitation and Hygiene After a Flood (Information from the Centers for Disease Control: (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/sanitation.asp)
Rhode Island
- R.I. Emergency Management Agency: http://www.riema.ri.gov/
A Message from the Warren Fire Department Chief:
April 2, 2010
If you have damaged personal property as a result of the heavy rainfall over the past week, either structural or personal, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has a web site for those affected; http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm.
You are encouraged to visit the website prior to making repairs other than those of emergency nature, or discarding damaged property and to document thoroughly all damage with photographs and receipts.
Hazardous materials disposal sites throughout the state will be set up by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for individuals needing to dispose of damaged equipment or hazardous materials. Please do not discard any of these materials in the Warren Transfer Station.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the Fire Department at 245-7600.
Sincerely,
Alexander R. Galinelli, Chief
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DEM Issues Advsory Urging residents to properly dispose of Household Hazardous Wastes
April 1, 2010
The DEM has issued an Advisory urging residents to properly dispose of household environmental wastes. Common household hazardous waste items include oil-based paint/stain, mercury containing devices (thermometers, flourescent bulbs), lawn care chemicals, fertilizer, pool chemicals, batteries, gasoline, household insecticides/pesticides, and automotive fluids. These items should NOT be disposed of in the regular waste stream.
Residents are urged to set items aside and dispose of them properly at an upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Eco Depot Collection event run by the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC). RIRRC has increased its Eco Depot Collection events in April to accomodate the increased demand for proper disposal locations. E-waste (TVs, computers, monitors, laptops) are also collected on these dates.
The update Eco Depot April collection dates and locations are:
April 3 - Coventry, 1168 Flat River Road, 8 am to 1 pm
April 10 - Johnston, Central Landfill, 65 Shun Pike, 8 am to Noon
April 17 - Middletown, Second Beach, 8 am to 1 pm
April 17 - Johnston, Central Landfill, 65 Shun Pike, 8 am - 1 pm
April 24 - Pawtucket, Jenks Jr. High, 8am - 1 pm
Residents can view a complete list of all household hazardous wastes accepted by the RIRRC and upcoming household hazardous waste collection dates on the RI Resource Recovery website at www.rirrc.org. This free serivce is for Rhode Island residents only. Appointments are requested to help reduce wait times in line. Please visit RI Resource Recovery's Eco-Depot page to make your appointment or call 942-1430 Ext. 775 or Ext. 241.
For more information online about flood clean-ups, visit the EPA website at : http://www.epa.gov/naturaldisasters/.
PRINT THE DEM ADVISORY
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