Hurricanes

Plan Ahead:

You are encouraged to plan ahead for any type of natural disaster especially a hurricane.  Help your family be prepared by having supplies to be self-sufficient for AT LEAST 72 hours, have a family communication plan, know the local evacuation routes and emergency shelters.  We are here to assist the citizen’s during these types of events but the most important assistance YOU can provide is to be prepared.

Evacuation Route:

Throughout the Town of Westerly you will see evacuation route signs.  These signs are blue and white and will direct you to the approved Department of Transportation evacuation route. 

Emergency Shelter:

The Emergency Shelter for Westerly is located at the Westerly Senior Center on State Street in Westerly.  This is a Red Cross approved shelter and will be staffed by the Westerly Shelter Team.  This is a team of very dedicated volunteers who have been professionally trained by the RI Red Cross in all aspects of shelter operations.

Emergency Pet Sheltering

For emergencies please be proactive and have a plan in place prior to using the Town animal shelter.  Have a kennel or family member lined up and ready to transport in advance of the emergency.  If that is not possible we need them in a carrier well marked with name of the animal and owner.  Additionally, have an index card filled out with name, address and best phone number of owner, name description of cat/dog, list of medications and current rabies vaccination status. 

Boat and RV Storage:

The Town of Westerly recognizes, as part of it’s emergency management strategy, the need to limit potential damage to property during a natural disaster.  The town will offer short term storage of boats and rv’s at the Cimalore Field Complex located off Wilson Street in the event a hurricane is forecast to strike the area.  The ONLY service the town will provide is the storage location.  Transportation and proper storage/dry docking is the responsibility of the individual property owner.  Notification that the storage location has been opened will be made as efficiently as possible.

At-Risk-Residents:

The Town of Westerly attempts to maintain a list of residents who will need assistance leaving their homes should the need arise.  Registry is done at the State level by filling out the At Risk Resident Form located in the Forms menu at the top of this page.

FEMA Suggested Hurricane Preparedness Supplies

  1. Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
  2. Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
  3. Flashlight. 
  4. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible).
  5. Extra batteries.
  6. First aid kit. 
  7. Medications (7-day supply) and medical items.
  8. Multi-purpose tool, like a Swiss Army knife.
  9. Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
  10. Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies).
  11. Cell phone with charger.
  12. Family and emergency contact information.
  13. Extra cash (ATMs might be inoperable).
  14. Extra fuel for generator and car.
  15. Medical-care items