Section 1 - Local Evacuation Information.

EVACUATION REMINDERS

The Charlestown Emergency Management Agency suggests those residents, renters and tourists review the following basic information should it be necessary to evacuate areas in Charlestown subject to potential flooding and/or heavy wind damage as the result of a hurricane threat to the area.

1. The Charlestown Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) will be monitoring the progress of tropical storms commencing with 5-day advisories issued by the National Weather Service and the Hurricane Center. Commencing with a WATCH advisory posted for our area, residents should take all precautionary measures to prepare for a potential strike.
2. For Category I or II hurricanes, the basic evacuation areas are those on the south side of Schoolhouse Rd from Ram Island Rd. to North Niantic Dr., those on the south side of Rte-1A from the Cross Mills Fire Station to Ninigret Park, and those on the south side of Rte-1 from the National Fish & Wildlife Refuge to Warren Rd. For Category III and above hurricanes, all areas south of Rte-1 will be directed to evacuate.
3. Based on advisory information from the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service, evacuations will commence no later than (14) hours prior to the predicted storm arrival.
4. Evacuation route signs are posted from evacuation areas and lead to our primary shelter located at the Charlestown Elementary School on Rt. 112. If, for any reason, a secondary shelter is needed, we would use the Chariho Middle School located on Switch Rd. off Rt. 91
5. If you plan to leave the area, it is suggested that you do so upon a WATCH advisory. It is suggested that you leave a note on your refrigerator indicating your intended point of relocation and list a family or personal contact.
6. If you are going to need special assistance to evacuate, please contact Police Dispatch at 364-1212 immediately following a WATCH advisory so that provisions can be arranged to assist you at the appropriate time.
7. Be certain to take with you a suitable means of ID upon evacuating your residence.
8. Pets are not allowed in shelters. Accordingly, you should make arrangements to board pets with local Kennel or Veterinary Services.
9. Following storm passage, evacuated areas will be assessed for damage, flooding and safety precautions. CEMA will then determine what areas can be accessed and by whom. Residents wishing to return to homes in these areas MUST come to Town Hall, present suitable ID, and obtain a PASS authorizing access. Contractors will also be required to obtain a PASS at Town Hall.
10. Should you have further concerns, contact CEMA at 364-0815.