PROVIDENCE, RI – On Feb 8th, Governor McKee shared an overview of the State’s preparations for the upcoming winter storm expected to begin tonight.

“Rhode Island is fully prepared to respond to the upcoming storm and keep residents safe. We have all necessary resources in place and remain in contact with local communities,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I urge all Rhode Islanders to prepare now and use extreme caution during the snowfall.”

McKee Administration Preparations:

• The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will have their crews report for duty well ahead of the storm. RIDOT has 200 state trucks and more than 250 vendor trucks ready for the storm. RIDOT also has 50,000 tons of salt available for the roads which have already been pre-treated.
• The Office of Energy Resources is in close contact with Rhode Island Energy (RIE) and the state's delivered fuel terminals to closely monitor the incoming storm system and its impact on power and fuel supplies across the state. RIE will have additional utility crews standing by.
• The following emergency winter hubs, activated through the Department of Housing’s Municipal Homelessness Support Initiative, will provide additional, overnight capacity to help keep Rhode Islanders safe on a drop-in basis, meaning no referral is needed to enter the hubs:
• West Warwick: West Warwick Convention Center, 100 Factory Street –Opening Saturday, February 8 at 4:30 p.m. until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 11
• Westerly: WARM Center, 56 Spruce Street – Open 24 hours for the winter months
• Woonsocket: 356 Clinton Street – Open 24 hours for the winter months
• In addition to these emergency hubs, the following existing overnight shelter locations are expanding on a drop-in basis for those in need:
• Crossroads Rhode Island: 162 Broad Street, Providence
• Emmanuel House: 239 Public St, Providence – Open 24 hours
• Welcome House of South County: 8 North Road, Peace Dale (South Kingstown) – Open 24 hours
• OpenDoors: 1139 Main Street, Pawtucket – Open 24 hours 
• Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency will monitor storm activities throughout the weekend with their state and local partners. They remain in close communication with local emergency management departments to ensure communities have the necessary supports in place. Find a list of local warming centers here: riema.ri.gov/planning-mitigation/resources-businesses/warming-centers.
• Rhode Island State Police has called in extra troopers who will be monitoring the highways and assisting motorists if needed.
• The Rhode Island Department of Health recommends to following tips for Rhode Islanders to stay safe:
• Consider checking in with older family, friends, and neighbors. Older adults are more at risk for negative health impacts from significant weather events.
• Shovel safely. Do not overexert yourself while shoveling snow. If you have a history of heart trouble, talk to your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to shovel snow. Drink plenty of water, dress warmly, and warm up the muscles in your arms and legs before you start shoveling. Don’t pick up too much snow at once. Instead of throwing the snow, try to push it in the direction you want. This helps protect your back. Listen to your body—if you feel tired or feel tightness in your chest, stop shoveling.
• Prevent slips and falls. De-ice the sidewalk, driveway, and any well-traveled areas outside your home.