RI H7987

Each Rhode Island city and town must prepare a local emergency action plan for warming and cooling centers during extreme weather by November 15, 2026, with RIEMA developing uniform guidelines in cooperation with the Executive Office of Housing and the League of Cities and Towns.

Local plans must include communication protocols for public alerts via municipal websites, social media, and United Way's 211 system, plus coordination procedures with nonprofits, volunteers, and state agencies.

Centers open for 24 hours or more must provide basic comfort items including blankets, cots, mats, meals, and beverages, supplied through RIEMA coordination or donations.

Plans require RIEMA approval before municipal adoption and must be updated every 3 years, with copies filed with RIEMA, the Executive Office of Housing, the municipal emergency management director, and the police chief.

RIEMA must establish a statewide notification system coordinated with the National Weather Service to trigger warming and cooling center alerts and activate municipal emergency protocols.