Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP)

The purpose of the CEMP is to establish the overall framework for integration and coordination of emergency management activities of government, volunteer organizations, and the private sector. The CEMP is designed to provide guidance and a flexible framework that the State of Rhode Island may utilize to prevent, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate potential hazards identified in the Rhode Island Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) and Threat Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA).

The provisions of the CEMP are promulgated under the authority of the Rhode Island General Laws Emergency Management Act, Chapter 30-15, as amended. The CEMP was developed using the planning process outlined in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG-101).

The CEMP identifies state agencies and partner organizations that provide command and coordination capabilities for an emergency or disaster and describes how multiple command and response components are organized and managed. It identifies lines of authority and organizational relationships for the management of emergency response actions, describes how people and property are protected in an emergency or disaster, and identifies legal authority.

The primary goal of the CEMP in the State of Rhode Island is to ensure readiness to respond to and recover from a disaster based on the hazards identified in the 2016 HIRA. The goals and objectives for establishing an effective system of comprehensive emergency management are defined below:

  • Prevent, avoid, or stop a threat or act of terrorism
  • Protect citizens of Rhode Island, its visitors, and its critical assets against threats and hazards
  • Mitigate loss of life and property by reducing the impact of future disasters
  • Respond quickly to save lives and protect property, and to meet basic human needs in the aftermath of a catastrophic incident
  • Protect citizens of Rhode Island, its visitors, and its critical assets against threats and hazards
  • Recover through a focus on the timely restoration and revitalization of infrastructure, housing, and a sustainable economy, as well as the health, social, cultural, historic, and environmental fabric of communities affected by a major or catastrophic incident

All recipients are directed to advise the Emergency Management Agency Director of any changes which might result in the improvement or increase of its usefulness. Amendments or additions to the CEMP may be issued from time to time as directives by the Director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency.