Preparedness for Residents

Be Informed:

One of the most important steps in being prepared for emergencies or disasters is to be informed with the latest information. Narragansett Emergency Management has identified several ways to both push and receive information from residents during disasters or emergencies.

Step 1: Register for Emergency Notifications 

CodeRed Signup

The Narragansett Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has implemented a town-wide emergency alert notification system called CodeRED  as part of the Town Emergency Operations Plan that can deliver critical communications directly to residents about crucial life-safety related information or essential community notifications.

CodeRED uses the latest computer technology along with geographic information to provide NEMA staff with the ability to deliver customized messages to all landline telephones and those whose phone number(s) have been registered with the database.  This system supports sending notifications to landline and cellular telephones as well as text messages and emails and allows the users to determine the delivery preferences.  The service is free to the public, however text message fees by wireless carriers may apply.  

Registration is quick and easy and can be performed online through our website or by stopping at the Fire Department, Engineering Department, Public Works Department or Town Managers Office.  

Step 2: Register for the Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry

Who Should Enroll
Any individual, regardless of age, who has a chronic condition, disability, special healthcare need, or may require additional assistance during a time of emergency. Some examples include people who:

  • Use life support systems such as oxygen, respirator, ventilator, dialysis, pacemaker, or are insulin dependent;
  • Have mobility disabilities and use a wheelchair, scooter, walker, cane or other mobility device;
  • Are visually impaired, blind, hard of hearing, or deaf;
  • Have speech, cognitive, developmental or mental health disabilities; or
  • Use assistance animals or a prosthesis.

If an individual cannot complete the enrollment form themselves, a family member, caregiver, or authorized representative can enroll the individual on their behalf. While enrollment in the Registry does not guarantee assistance, it allows first responders to appropriately plan, prepare for, and respond to the needs of the community.

How Your Information Is Used
 The information submitted to the Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry is shared with local and state first responders and emergency management officials. These officials utilize the information to plan for, mitigate, respond to and recover from emergencies. HEALTH and RIEMA have worked with E-911 to notify first responders when they are responding to a household that may have someone enrolled in the Registry. This notification allows first responders additional time to consider how to best respond to that incident. Strict confidentiality is maintained at all times and only those that have a reason to access the information are authorized to do so.

Enrollment Forms

You can enroll in the Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry online. However, if you are unable to complete the online form, a paper form is available at the Narragansett Police or Fire Department or by clicking below to print. 

Step 3: Rhode Island Energy Shut-off Protection

After registering for the State of RI Special Needs Registry, if you rely on electrically operated life-sustaining medical devices, and you may be in immediate danger if your electric service is interrupted, consider contacting Rhode Island Energy for shut-off protection.

Rhode Island Energy has rules in place to protect vulnerable customers from losing gas and electric services. If one or more of the following conditions apply to you, call 1-855-743-1101.

  • Serious illness that’s life-threatening or causes lifelong health issues
  • Living with any impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities
  • Everyone who lives in the household is 62 years old or older
  • Housing a child younger than two years old and are experiencing financial hardship
  • Experiencing financial hardship