[April 2, 2010] Rhode Island libraries will be in the forefront helping Rhode Islanders recover from the historic floods that ravaged the state last month. On April 2, the President declared an emergency for Rhode Island, thereby making federal aid available to supplement state and local response efforts. Following are resources and programs that libraries may wish to take note of, as well as links that may be published on library websites.

Unemployment Insurance for Temporary Layoffs due to Flooding

The Department of Labor and Training (DLT) and Rhode Island libraries are partnering to provide assistance to Rhode Islanders impacted by the recent floods. Workers who have been temporarily laid off due to flood-related business closures may file for unemployment insurance online on the DLT website. The process for filing under this provision is self-service, and is the same process as filing for regular unemployment insurance.

The following libraries will be hosting DLT staff and providing dedicated computer stations for those who qualify for this assistance.

Computers are also available at netWORKri one-stop centers in Woonsocket, West Warwick, Providence and Pawtucket and all Rhode Island libraries.

Please note that self-service filing for flood-related unemployment insurance benefits is available ONLY for employees of companies that have been deemed eligible for a waiting period waiver. Businesses who have been deemed eligible will communicate this to their employees.

Other Resources for Employers, Workers, and Individuals

• RI Flood Recovery (State of Rhode Island): Comprehensive listing of state and federal resources for individuals, businesses and municipalities.
• Rapid Response Sessions for Businesses (DLT and RI Chambers of Commerce)
  Series of Rapid Response sessions for area businesses impacted by the recent flooding. Sessions are free of charge; businesses do not need to be members of their chamber of commerce in order to attend.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance for Self-Employed Workers (DLT)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  All five Rhode Island counties have been declared federal disaster areas. As such, Rhode Islanders who are the victims of flooding may apply for disaster assistance from FEMA (or go directly to disasterassistance.gov). All individuals so impacted are encouraged to register at their earliest opportunity, either online or by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) / 1-800-462-7585 (TTY).
  
  (Note: Disaster assistance is money or direct assistance to individuals, families and businesses in an area whose property has been damaged or destroyed and whose losses are not covered by insurance. It is meant to help with critical expenses that cannot be covered in other ways. This assistance is not intended to restore damaged property to its condition before the disaster.)
• Disaster and Preservation Planning for Libraries
  Resources listed under “Flood / Water Damage” can be of particular use for librarians getting requests for information to help citizens recover from flooding. Additional resources on the page may be of use as well.
• Rhode Island Foundation Flood Assistance Resources
• United Way 211: or dial 211 to get connected to flood-related resources