(Warwick, R.I.) WARWICK, R.I. – Congressman Jim Langevin today praised Rhode Island's Emergency Management Agency for being recognized in the Department of Homeland Security's National Plan Review -Phase II Report.  Langevin vowed to continue to advocate for the agency in Washington, DC.

"I was delighted to learn that our state EMA was recognized nationally for best practices in Citizen Preparedness," said Langevin, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. "These accolades demonstrate the EMA's commitment to the safety of all Rhode Islanders by ensuring all our residents know exactly what to do before, during and after an emergency."
The National Plan Review, developed by the Department of Homeland Security, is a comprehensive assessment of catastrophic planning nationwide. The report noted Rhode Island's public education programming and outreach to businesses, residents, and visitors as a national best practice and commended its planning concerning "special communications populations ," including people with disabilities, non-English speakers and households where children are the most proficient English speakers.

Rhode Island was also cited for its integration of volunteers in response and recovery operations. The report notes that in case of emergency, the state’s EMA is ready to call on the Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) and Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) to provide amateur radio operations, the Civil Air Patrol to provide transportation and aerial reconnaissance and real-time imagery, Medical Reserve Corps for medical surge, and the ARC and Salvation Army for shelter operations.

“While our state EMA is making strides and working hard, it is evident from the report's findings that more needs to be done nationwide," continued Langevin. "I agree with the report's assessment, too, that the federal government should not only provide leadership and policies but also must back-up its mandates with appropriate funding."

Rhode Island recently learned it would only receive $7.8 million from the DHS state homeland security grant program this year, far less than requested.
"I have stated before that I was disappointed that our state officials will be forced to do more with less due to a decrease in funding for this fiscal year," said Langevin. "Our state still needs a reliable interoperability communications system and the means to build upon its existing programs. So, as the EMA continues to develop networks and plans to keep us safe, I will continue working in Congress to ensure they have the resources they need to keep our communities prepared."