EOC Officials Warn of Dangerous Travel Conditions as Storm Worsens

The Town of Coventry Emergency Management Agency (EMA) in cooperation with all Emergency Response Agencies and Human Services Agencies of the Town of Coventry, continue to prepare for Hurricane Irene. 

Currently the Coventry EMA is monitoring the storm and working hand-in-hand with the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency to gather information needed to make critical storm related decisions.

Weather reports predict that rain will increase in intensity overnight with strong winds arriving by Sunday morning. These winds will increase steadily throughout the day. The Coventry Emergency Management Agency wants to reiterate that travel and outdoor activities will become increasingly difficult throughout Sunday so please conduct these activities as soon as possible.

Safety Tips:

Residents need to be especially careful during a loss of electrical power, as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire increases at that time.

In order to power lights, to keep food cold or to cook, residents often use gas-powered generators. CEMA warn consumers NEVER to use portable generators indoors or in garages, basements or sheds. The exhaust from generators contains high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) that can quickly incapacitate and kill.

Please stay inside and off roadways during this storm. Be aware of downed trees, fallen electrical lines, flooding and flying objects.

Do not attempt to cross deep moving water or standing water.

Do not consume food or beverages that were exposed to floodwaters or areas containing debris or sludge.

Remember to wash hands before eating, drinking or smoking when exposed to floodwaters. Use hand sanitizer if clean water and soap is not available.

To accommodate anyone that may need shelter, the Coventry EOC has opened a shelter at the as of 12:00 noon today, Saturday, August 27. Again, the preferred response would be to stay with family or friends, however, anyone seeking shelter is encouraged to make use of the High School facility.

The shelter will NOT be able to accommodate family pets, please make alternative arrangements. As a last resort, the Coventry Animal Shelter will be able to accommodate a small number of pets, which will be subject to a first come, first serve basis due to space limitations. Coventry Animal Control can be reached at 822-9106.

FOR EVACUATION AND SHELTER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL OUR 24HR INFO LINE AT 822-6215.

Please remember:

Weather forecasts are predicting severe weather situations that may prevent a response from emergency services. If this occurs, emergency services may not be able to respond to calls for service until the storm intensity decreases and conditions improve. Please take this into consideration as services will be burdened during and after this event. We thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

Points of Interest:

 1.) SCHOOL IS CANCELLED IN COVENTRY ON MONDAY

2.) THERE WILL BE NO GARBAGE PICK-UP IN COVENTRY ON MONDAy

3.) A PARKING BAN WILL BE IN EFFECT BEGINNING AT 12 NOON ON SATURDAY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

The Coventry EMA is making plans for possible food and water distribution after the storm; sandbags for residents that may need such for flooding; debris cleanup for after the storm; opening of roads that may become blocked by debris; and restoration of utilities should they be lost during the storm.

For more information regarding the planning by Coventry EMA you may go to the Town of Coventry website http://www.town.coventry.ri.us/.

Additional information may be obtained from the Rhode Island EMA at their website http://www.riema.ri.gov/whatsnew/.