Newport Gas Outage: Displaced Workers OKed For Unemployment

NEWPORT, R.I. -- Gov. Gina Raimondo took executive action Wednesday to displaced workers in Newport can receive unemployment benefits immediately. At her 4 p.m. press conference, Gov. Raimondo said that the week-long waiting period for unemployment benefits has been waived for anyone who is currently unable to work because of the gas outage.

In addition, employers will not be penalized with the added cost of paying for their employee's benefits because of the extenuating circumstances.

"This is something that the state is doing," Raimondo said.

FEMA officials arrived in the state during the day on Wednesday and have set up operations at Fort Adams State Park in Newport. The agency is working to assist emergency officials in the area and coordinate response efforts.

Even though temperatures increased during the day on Wednesday, Gov. Raimondo continued to urge residents not to stay in their homes overnight.

"Do not tough this one out, I can't stress that enough," Raimondo said. "Don't be fooled, it isn't safe to stay in an unheated house."

The governor once again thanked National Grid, emergency responders from across the state, and the people of Newport for their response to the crisis.

"It's unbelievable how people are responding. We know it's an incredible burden and an incredible inconvenience," Raimondo said.

She went on that continued patience is required, as safety is the top priority.

"I'm pushing National Grid to go as fast as possible, but we can't cut corners with this one," Raimondo said.

As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, 238 of the 340 customers affected in Middletown had their gas relit and full service restored. National Grid officials are once again reminding customers that it is extremely dangerous to attempt to relight gas service themselves, as this increases the risk for an explosion.

Resources are available to all residents affected by the shutoff, and anyone looking for assistance in finding shelter is encouraged to visit the customer service center at Gurney's Resort on Goat Island or the shelter at Gaudet School on Aquidneck Avenue.

Cold breakfast and lunch is available to families at Florence Gray Community Center on York Street. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., and lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

READ MORE:

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• National Grid: Gas Restoration Will Take Several Days
• Five Ways To Stay Safe During The Newport Gas Emergency
• Governor Declares State of Emergency in Newport For Gas Outage