News and Media: Disaster 4765

Sometimes, after a disaster, applying for FEMA assistance can be a challenge. Disaster Recovery Centers are not always convenient, bad internet connection prevents using DisasterAssistance.gov, or there are long holds on the FEMA Helpline.

Rhode Island residents affected by the severe storms and flooding that took place December 17-19, 2023 and January 9-13 in Kent, Providence and Washington counties should keep in mind that FEMA can only provide funding to make homes safe, accessible and functional.

After you apply for assistance, FEMA may send an inspector to your home to verify disaster caused damage. If you do receive an inspection a FEMA inspector will contact you to set a date and time prior to the inspection. You don’t have to wait for a FEMA inspector to clean up. FEMA inspectors don’t need to see the debris to verify damages.

On March 20, 2024, President Joe Biden approved two disaster declarations for Rhode Island.

FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Rhode Island to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe storm and flooding on Dec. 17-19, 2023.