As winter weather continues to impact Rhode Island, preparation and awareness can make all the difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe. At Family Service of Rhode Island, we’ve created a comprehensive Winter Storm Safety Guide filled with practical tips to help you stay safe before, during, and after a storm.
Here are a few key recommendations:
Stay Informed
Sign up for state and local emergency alerts to receive real-time weather and safety updates. Download the FEMA app or register for CodeRED alerts specific to Rhode Island. If you experience a power outage, contact RI Energy immediately to report it.
Travel & Vehicle Safety
Avoid travel during severe snow or icy conditions whenever possible. If you must travel, pack an emergency kit with food, water, blankets, and a phone charger. If stranded, stay in your vehicle and call 911. Never run your vehicle in a closed garage, and always clear snow from your exhaust pipe before starting your car to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Shoveling & Physical Safety
Push snow instead of lifting it when possible and avoid lifting snow above heart level to reduce strain and health risks.
Home Safety
Keep generators at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and garages, and never use grills, gas stoves, or kerosene heaters indoors. Clear outdoor vents before using appliances, inspect roofs and gutters for ice buildup, and use salt or sand on walkways to reduce slipping hazards. If you lose power, allow faucets to drip and seal windows and doors to help prevent frozen pipes.
Winter storms can be unpredictable, but preparation saves lives. We encourage everyone to review our full Winter Storm Safety Guide for more detailed information and helpful resources.
👉 View our Winter Storm Safety Guide by clicking here.
If you or someone you know needs support, our team is here to help. Call our intake department at (401) 519-2280 or reach our 24/7 MRSS line by dialing (401) 854-6678.
