Town of Smithfield
 news & updates
March 1, 2023 | Issue 40
Thank you to Senator Jack Reed, Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi, Representative Stephen M. Casey and Town Officials for helping to secure funding for a state-of-the-art live fire training center to be utilized by fire departments across northern Rhode Island.


Police Chief's Corner
Freezin’ for a Reason
On March 25th-26th at Salty Brine Beach in Narragansett, Officer Jon Ricciarelli will be participating in his third Law Enforcement Torch Run Super Plunge in support of Special Olympics Rhode Island. The Super Plunge is a 24-hour event where participants submerge themselves in the frigid water once an hour! Unfortunately, Officer Ricciarelli’s father is unable to plunge himself this year, so Officer Ricciarelli has decided to plunge twice an hour! Please support Officer Ricciarelli and his father as they raise money for this amazing cause. All proceeds raised for this event go directly to our Special Olympic athletes here in Rhode Island! If you have questions, you can contact Officer Ricciarelli. Opportunities for Corporate Sponsorships are still available! Visit Officer Ricciarelli’s fundraising page. Special Olympics RI Magazine

Smithfield Emergency Management Agency
March is Flood Awareness
Flooding is Smithfield's #1 Most Common Natural Hazard

Although flooding can happen at any time during the year, spring has historically been the most active time of the year for a flood event to occur. As we march out of the winter months, this is a great time to review the terms used by meteorologists and public safety officials. Whether you live in a flood prone area, along a river or stream or drive a vehicle near one of these areas, flood awareness is important for everyone. 

First, FLOODING is the temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods can slowly develop or can suddenly occur. The most serious and urgent flood messages include the word WARNING, such as a Flash Flood Warning or Flood Warning. A warning message means a dangerous flood condition is occurring or about to occur and action is needed protect yourself and your family.   
 
The terms WATCH and ADVISORY are used for your awareness and preparedness. A Flood Advisory is issued for a specific weather that can cause inconvenience flooding such as wet basements or flooding in low lying or flood prone areas. A Flood Watch means that a weather conditions are favorable for flooding. An advisory and a watch mean be prepared, have your family prepared and be ready to move if flooding conditions occur.
 
Take some time and make sure your home is flood ready and discuss with family members what to do in a flood so you can ensure you are flood ready this spring!  


Fire Chief's Corner
Keep children safe! Consider the following.
Make an escape plan

It is important to have a plan when there are children in your home. Children sometimes need help getting out of the house. They may not know how to escape or what to do unless an adult shows them.
  • Have a plan for young children who cannot get outside by themselves. You will need to wake babies and very young children and help them get out. In your plan, talk about who will help each child get out safely.
  • It is important to find two ways out of every room in your home, in case one exit is blocked or dangerous to use.
  • Choose a meeting place outside your home. Children should know what to do when they hear a smoke alarm and there is no adult around. Help them practice going to the outside meeting place. Teach them to never go back inside a building that is on fire.
Keep children safe from fire and burns

Some children are curious about fire. There are simple steps you can take to keep you and the people you love safer from fire and burns.
  • Keep children 3 feet away from anything that can get hot. Space heaters and stove-tops can cause terrible burns. Keep children at least 3 feet away from stoves, heaters or anything that gets hot.
  • Keep smoking materials locked up in a high place. Never leave cigarette lighters or matches where children can reach them.
  • Never play with lighters or matches when you are with your children. Children may try to do the same things they see you do.
Town of Smithfield
Helping Hands Fund
Donations are being accepted throughout the year for the Town of Smithfield’s Helping Hands Fund established to help bring hope and joy to less fortunate families in our community. Contributions to the fund will be used to provide essentials including clothing, food, and gift certificates.

Please send your donation to the Town Hall, c/o The Town Manager's Office, 64 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917.
Statewide Behavioral Health Resources

Immediate Support
  • For children and youth under age 18, call the 24/7 Kids’ Link Hotline at 1-855-543-5465.
  • For people age 18 and older, call the 24/7 BH Link Hotline, 401-414-LINK (5465) or visit the BH Link Walk-In Triage Center, 975 Waterman Ave., East Providence to connect with a counselor.

Peer Recovery Support
Peer recovery support specialists are people who are in recovery from a substance use or a mental health condition. Their life experiences allow them to help others experiencing similar situations. Learn how to connect with a certified peer recovery support specialist

Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
  • Call Rhode Island’s Buprenorphine 24/7 Hotline, 401-606-5456, to talk with a healthcare provider, get an evaluation, and make a plan for Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).  
  • Visit PreventOverdoseRI.org's Get Help webpage to find local treatment and recovery support services, including statewide locations for the Rhode Island Centers of Excellence.

Safer Drug Use Supplies
Get access to safer drug use supplies like naloxone (Narcan®), sterile needles, and fentanyl test strips. Call or text for free delivery to an address or to arrange a pickup. 
Medication Disposal - Smithfield Police Station
  • The Smithfield Police Department provides the public with a safe, convenient, and responsible means to anonymously dispose of various unused, unwanted, and/or expired medications 24/7.  
  • Accepted Items: prescription medications/patches, ointments (sealed in zip-lock bags), over-the-counter medications, vitamins, medication samples, and pet medications. 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Vacancies for Town Boards and Commissions

Smithfield Samaritans
  • The Smithfield Town Council has an initiative program called “Smithfield Samaritans,” and encourages anyone in the community to self-nominate or submit a name to the Town Manager, of a Smithfield resident or business in town who is doing or has performed an act of kindness or a good deed that is notable or charitable.
  • The Town Council will review all nominations that are submitted and will each month select one individual or business to be recognized with a citation and the opportunity to speak at the council meeting explaining their good deeds “on the record.”
  • The nomination form is available online here as well as printed copies available in Town Hall.
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Town of Smithfield [smithfieldri.com]