PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian today visited the Governor Francis Neighborhood in Warwick, one of the areas most affected by yesterday's early morning storm, and received an update on clean-up efforts across the City of Warwick. 

The Governor has been in continuous contact with Pete Gaynor, director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency since the storm hit, as well as with the leadership of National Grid. She has received regular updates, and the Governor's office has been in contact with officials from affected areas.

"Work crews and public safety teams have worked throughout the night, and will continue their efforts until the job is done," said Raimondo. "I am grateful for these teams' efforts, as well to residents for their patience as work continues. I know this is a challenging time for everyone affected."    

The Governor encourages Rhode Islanders needing assistance to call the United Way at 2-1-1 or the Rhode Island Red Cross at 401-831-7700.  

The information below lists the resources that are available to all of those affected by yesterday's storm: 

The following are safety tips from Rhode Island State Officials:  

RIEMA:

• Always assume that a downed wire is a live wire. Do not touch!
• If you are a National Grid customer, report a downed wire or a power outage by calling 1-800-465-1212. Do not call 911.
• Avoid driving through flooded roads, as even a foot of water can cause a motorist to become stranded.
• Photograph and record all property/vehicle damages and report to your insurance provider.

RIDOH:

Post storm cleanup safety:

• Before starting any work, survey the site for hazards (i.e. downed wires, leaning trees, hanging or broken limbs, etc.)
• Never attempt to do tree work if electrical wires are an issue. Contact your utility company to remove the electrical wires.
• Only work on the ground and always wear the proper protection (i.e. hard hat, eye protection, chain-saw leg protectors, appropriate footwear, etc.)
• Beware of trees and limbs under pressure. Trees that have twisted or fallen on top of each other can be under enormous pressure. Sudden release of this pressure with a chain saw or other tool may cause serious injury or death.
• When you begin to get tired, stop sawing. Let someone else take over, or wait until the next day to continue.

Food and Water Safety Tips:

• Before a power outage, turn refrigerators and freezers to the coldest setting.
• Make sure you have food that does not require refrigeration or cooking.
• Fill your bathtub with water for washing and cleaning.
• During a power outage, avoid opening refrigerators and freezers.
• If the power is out for more than four hours, throw away meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, deli items, and any leftovers in the refrigerator.
• If the temperature in the freezer goes above 41 degrees, throw away any food that is in the freezer.
• Many times, you cannot see, smell, or taste bacteria in food that could make you sick. When in doubt, throw it out.

RIDEM:

General Tips:

• With many downed limbs and other difficult conditions being reported as a result of today's storm, DEM is asking the public to use caution when visiting state parks and management areas.
• All outdoor recreational users are advised to pay close attention to severe weather alerts and exercise caution for exposure in coastal features or forested areas where heavy wind and rains have the potential to cause heavy branches or trees to fall. 
• DEM Environmental Police advise boaters to keep a watch on the weather forecast and be sure that their boats are secured

RIDOT:

When driving, be on the lookout for the following:

• Blowing traffic control equipment (i.e. barrels, signs, etc.)
• Traffic signals out due to power outages, or on flash
• Debris in roadways
• DOT crews who may be out actively trying to remove trees, debris and water from roadways

For more information about traffic safety, contact the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-2378.