A suspicious link or unexpected message can be the start of a cyber threat. Before you click, take a moment. 🔗 Don’t click links or download attachments from unknown sources. 📧 Be cautious of unexpected emails or messages asking for personal or financial information. 🔐 Use strong, unique passwords and enable multifactor authentication whenever possible. 📱 Keep your devices, apps, and software updated. Cyber preparedness is emergency preparedness. Protect your information, devices, and accounts before a problem happens

This month, our RIEMA External Affairs and Preparedness Team partnered with the Pawtucket and Scituate Senior Centers to host Preparedness BINGO! 🎉 Between rounds of BINGO, representatives from our partner agencies, including @RIHEALTH , @liveunitedri, the @HealthyAgingRI, @RIRedCross , @femaregion1, and @RIPTA_RI , shared valuable information with seniors about emergency preparedness, available resources, and how to plan for their individual needs during an emergency. We’re grateful to our partners and participating senior centers for helping us make preparedness engaging, accessible, and fun for our communities!

Would you know if an emergency was happening in your community? Make sure you can receive important emergency information before you need it. RIEMA encourages Rhode Islanders to sign up for local emergency notifications in their city and make sure emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile devices. Emergency alerts can provide critical information about severe weather, hazards, evacuations, and other emergencies. Sign up at riema.maps.arcgis.com/apps/i…

RIEMA’s State Floodplain Manager recently addressed the Building Code Standards Committee on the importance of floodplain regulation variances and their potential impact on municipalities’ standing in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). These discussions help ensure communities understand the importance of complying with federal floodplain management requirements to reduce flood risk and protect residents.

As temperatures drop and the leaves begin to change, take a few minutes to prepare your home for fall. Clean leaves and debris from gutters and drains, check outdoor lighting, have your heating system inspected, and test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Keep walkways clear of leaves and other hazards, and make sure your emergency kit is stocked and ready for the season. A little fall maintenance can help prevent bigger problems later. 🍂

🔥 It’s National Fire Prevention Week! A fire can spread quickly, but taking a few minutes to prepare can make a difference. Many of the devices we use every day rely on rechargeable batteries. Following a few simple charging practices can help reduce the risk of fire. 🔌 Cheap charger? Don’t chance it. Use the charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. 🛋️ Soft surface? Hard pass. Charge devices on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or bare floor. 🔋 Fully charged? Time to unplug. Unplug your device once it is fully charged. 🛴 For tools and rides, charge outside. When possible, charge larger items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outdoors. Never block exits while charging. 🌡️ Feels hot? Stop using it. If a device feels very hot, swells, leaks, smells unusual, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds, stop using it.

Preparedness isn’t just about severe weather and emergencies — it also means protecting your information, devices, and digital life. This month, take a few simple steps to improve your cybersecurity: Use strong, unique passwords Turn on multifactor authentication Keep your devices and software updated Watch for suspicious emails, texts, and links For more information visit cisa.gov/cybersecurity-aware…