Emergency Management


Hazard Mitigation Plan:

The Town of Richmond developed a Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) in 2018 to set forth guidelines of short-term and long-term actions, which will reduce the actual or potential loss of life or property from a hazardous event such as flooding, severe winter storms/extreme cold, lightning, hurricanes/Nor’easters, drought/extreme heat, dam failure, brush fires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and solar flares. This plan was constructed using input from a variety of municipal and private stakeholders, and the general public. This plan serves as a guide to help the Town reduce their losses and vulnerabilities relating to natural hazards.  

 The Town is currently working to update the 2018 HMP, and is looking for Richmond residents to participate. Click here for more information on the 2022 HMP Update.      


Municipal Resilience:

The Town of Richmond has completed a certification within the State of Rhode Island’s Municipal Resilience Program (MRP). As part of that certification, the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) provided the Town with a community-driven process to assess current hazard and climate change impacts and to surface projects, plans, and policies for improved resilience. The Town wishes to thank its residents, stakeholders, and partnering agencies and organizations who participated in this important process of prioritizing resilience actions for the Town of Richmond. A link to the Richmond Community Resilience Building Summary of Findings can be found here

Natural Disasters

During a natural disaster such as a flood or hurricane, the Town of Richmond’s Emergency Management team will respond. You can take steps to prepare yourself and your family for an unexpected event. Being prepared at home is important so that you can help ensure the health and safety of your family during an emergency or disaster.

Make a Family Plan

Choose Two Places to Meet

  • Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency.
  • Outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.

Plan What to Do if You Have to Evacuate

Decide where you would go and what route you would take to get there. Keep in mind that an evacuation may occur during the day when family members are at work or school. Its important to have a plan in the event phones are not working properly so that you can reconnect with your family. Know your local evacuation route and where your emergency shelters are located. Richmond's emergency shelter is located at Chariho Middle School, 455B Switch Rd, Wood River Junction 

Plan Ahead for Your Pets

Pets are not allowed in all shelters. Make a list of pet-friendly hotels / motels or make arrangements with a friend or family member that lives outside of your town.

Assemble an Emergency Supplies Kit

You need to have an emergency supplies kit in the event you have to evacuate on short notice or you are told to shelter in place. Make sure to plan for pets or any family member that have special needs. See how to build an emergency supplies kit (PDF).

Know the Hazards or Risk Around You

Identify the potential hazards in your area (PDF). Severe winter weather, thunderstorms, hurricanes, and flooding are natural disasters that can occur in our area. Each of these disasters can cause power outages and disrupt our day-to-day routines.