Woonsocket EMA Announces Emergency Shelter

Woonsocket Emergency Management Services issued the latest local news regarding Hurricane Irene this afternoon, and the storm is still on track to travel west of the Rhode Island/Connecticut border.

The 48-hour notice verifies that the storm is expected to be a Category 1 hurricane. Woonsocket is expected to be on the east side of the storm and thus experience more wind force and less rainfall.  Rainfall amounts for Hurricane Irene in Woonsocket should be in the 5”-6” range.  The Army Corps of Engineers will be manning the pumping stations and monitoring the Blackstone River.  Rainfall can be expected to start Saturday night and continue through Sunday night.  The heaviest rainfall should occur Sunday afternoon through Sunday night. 

The regional emergency shelter will be located at the Cumberland High School, 2600 Mendon Road, Cumberland.  The shelter will open for displaced or evacuated residents on Saturday, 27 August 2011 at 4 p.m.  There are no accommodations for pets.  The shelter will be fully staffed by volunteers from the Red Cross and will provide food, water, cots and blankets.  For additional information contact Fire/Police dispatch at 401.765.2500 or 401.766.1212.   

All residents are asked to be prepared to remain in their homes starting at 3 p.m. Saturday until Monday morning.  Emergency “kits” should include water and non-perishable food for 3 days, prescription medications for 3 days, flashlights and batteries, fully charged cell phones and fueled vehicles in case of an evacuation order.

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee has signed a “” and all residents are reminded to obey police commands in regards to this storm event. 

The Woonsocket Public Works Department distributed sandbags on a first come, first serve basis today. Woonsocket EMA will be coordinating all city departments to maintain emergency plans as needed.

Editors's note: The phone number for the Woonsocket Police Department, listed above, was incorrect on this press release. The information has since been corrected.