Mayor Brett P. Smiley joined Councilwoman Helen Anthony and Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Clara Decerbo today to announce the City’s preparations for the 2025 hurricane season and share important safety information on managing extreme heat, flooding and severe storms. Since taking office Mayor Smiley has proactively prioritized investments in infrastructure projects that make Providence more resilient and less vulnerable to the effects of extreme weather.
“In the face of a rapidly changing climate, we are making proactive investments that make our city safer, more sustainable and less vulnerable to the impact of climate change,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “As a coastal city, Providence faces growing risks from flooding, extreme heat and increasingly powerful storms. That’s why we’re investing in solutions that will protect our neighborhoods and strengthen our city for the future. From proactive extreme weather training, upgrades to the hurricane barrier to improving Providence’s stormwater management systems, we are taking clear, strategic action to keep Providence safe, prepared and resilient.”
In response to the escalating threat of climate change and more frequent flooding in recent years, Mayor Smiley has continued to support investments in innovative solutions that make Providence more resilient to the impacts of extreme weather. Among these efforts is the creation of a dedicated sewer team focused on dredging canals and clearing storm drains to mitigate flooding risks, alongside targeted upgrades to the city’s stormwater management infrastructure.
Furthering this commitment, the Smiley Administration has prioritized key improvements to the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier. In May, the Department of Public Works (DPW) completed the reinstallation of the fully refurbished street gates at Allens Avenue and the Manchester Street Power Station. These gates underwent extensive off-site repairs, restoring important structural and mechanical components to ensure the barrier’s reliability during storm events. At the same time, crews made important repairs to the road covers on South Water Street, which are crucial for securing the gates during extreme weather. The project involved replacing metal covers, restoring concrete chambers and frames and resurfacing surrounding pavement. These upgrades play a critical role in strengthening Providence’s defenses against coastal flooding and storm surges.
“As we continue to face the effects of climate change, including longer and more destructive hurricane seasons, each of us must do our part to get ready, get educated, and stay safe,” said Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2). “As city leaders, that means investing in critical updates and repairs, and making sure our buildings, bridges, and streets, are ready for a worst-case scenario. Projects like the recent update and reinstallation of the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier aren’t just common sense – they are urgently needed. My colleagues and I will continue to work with Mayor Smiley to ensure that our city prioritizes resident safety and resilient infrastructure.”
In addition to infrastructure investments, Providence continues to prepare for extreme weather through comprehensive emergency readiness initiatives. Earlier this month, the City conducted its annual Emergency Advisory Board (EAB) Exercise, a full-scale, multi-agency simulation testing emergency communications, resource coordination and response strategies. The exercise ensures city departments, first responders and utilities providers are aligned and ready to act quickly in the event of a hurricane or other extreme weather.
“As we head into the summer months, our focus is on ensuring Providence is prepared for the extreme weather events that are becoming more frequent and intense. From high heat to flooding, it’s crucial that our residents know how to stay safe,” said PEMA Director Clara Decerbo. “Through improved infrastructure, ongoing training and enhanced communication tools, we are reinforcing our commitment to protecting our community. I encourage everyone to sign up for emergency alerts and take the necessary steps to prepare for whatever the summer weather may bring.”
PEMA is constantly monitoring national weather trends and urges the public to be aware of the dangerous forecasts predicted for this year’s hurricane season. According to recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University predictions, this year could bring as many as 13 to 19 named storms.
PEMA is encouraging community members to stay informed and take proper precautions to protect yourself and your family from extreme heat, flooding and hurricanes including:
· Signing up for CodeRED and PVD311 alerts to stay informed on the latest extreme weather alerts.
· To prepare for a hurricane, create an emergency plan and learn about evacuation routes.
· Learn more about the Providence Cooling Center locations near you to prepare for extreme heat.
· During a flood, remember to avoid flood-prone streets by rivers, clear debris from your storm drains and never drive through flooded streets. More information on flooding can be found here.
· For further information on Hurricane preparedness and evacuation tips, visit the FEMA website or the PEMA website.