The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is sending three staff members to support response efforts in the state of New York. Logistics Chief Kenneth Baker (of North Providence), Operations Chief Raymond Laprad (of Warwick), and Planning Chief Armand Randolph (of Cranston) are leaving today, Monday, November 5 for a 9-day deployment, and it is expected that they will be working in New York City.
"Rhode Island prepared well for Hurricane Sandy and our citizens displayed an appropriate level of caution during and after the storm," Governor Chafee said. "Federal, state, and local officials have been hard at work all week coordinating efforts to ensure that residents and businesses receive the support they need to return to normal. Preparation and swift response are important, but in this case Rhode Island was also fortunate not to bear the worst brunt of Hurricane Sandy. New York was not so lucky. Therefore, as the situation here continues to stabilize, I am pleased to be able to lend additional support to the people of New York as they struggle to recover from this historic storm."
"Although we had some hard hit areas, Rhode Island was very fortunate compared to New York," said RIEMA Executive Director Theresa C. Murray. "Response efforts to such widespread devastation are a physical and emotional drain on your staff. Our situation in Rhode Island is stabilized, so we are committed to send relief to our colleagues. I also want to acknowledge the dedication of our three staff members. We are told that accommodations are primitive, food may not be available, and power and water supply is unlikely. This is a testament to Rhode Island's spirit of collaboration."
RIEMA received the request from the State of New York on Thursday through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). EMAC facilitates member states sending personnel and equipment to help disaster relief efforts in other states. The EMAC process allows for reimbursement to the State.