Washington County hurricane guide¶

Washington County has no county government in Rhode Island. Each of its 9 cities and towns runs its own emergency management, and the state agency RIEMA publishes the contact for each one. Hurricane evacuation zones A and B cover the coastal communities of the county, and local officials usually decide when to order an evacuation. New Shoreham is Block Island, which depends on ferries. RIDOT's traveler page lists the year-round Block Island ferry (Interstate Navigation) and seasonal routes.

What to know in Washington County¶

• Find the emergency manager for your city or town, with phone numbers, on the RIEMA Emergency Managers page.
• Block Island (the town of New Shoreham) is served by the Block Island ferry, run by Interstate Navigation, listed on RIDOT's traveler information page. Check the ferry operator for schedule changes during a storm.

Emergency and information numbers¶

Official alerts and information¶

• Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA): RIEMA asks people to sign up for CodeRED emergency notifications. Ask your town emergency manager which alert system your town uses. Website.

Evacuation zones¶

RIEMA says evacuation maps from the US Army Corps of Engineers exist for these communities in Washington County: Charlestown, Narragansett, New Shoreham, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Westerly. Zone A is recommended for evacuation before an expected category 1 or 2 hurricane, and Zone B before an expected category 3 or 4 hurricane. In Rhode Island the decision to issue an evacuation order is commonly made by local officials. Open your town's map on the RIEMA page.

Look up your evacuation zone

Evacuation centers¶

Shelters are run by cities and towns, not by the county. RIEMA advises you to know the location of your city or town emergency shelter before a storm. Shelters open only when your town announces them, so follow your town's alerts and website to learn whether one is open.

Help to evacuate¶

• Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry (RISNER): Enrolling lets police, fire, and other first responders in your community better prepare for your needs in a hurricane or other emergency. Enrollment does not guarantee assistance. A family member or caregiver can enroll for you. Phone: 401-222-5960. Website.

Cities and towns¶

Each city has its own services and some have their own alerts. The county's evacuation zones, evacuation centers, and emergency alerts cover everyone, in every city and in unincorporated areas.

Related guides¶

• Should I evacuate?
• What to expect at a hurricane shelter
• Hurricane supply list
• After a hurricane: the first 24 hours
• Insurance claims and disaster aid

Sources¶

Checked on October 5, 2026. If a number or address here is wrong, please tell us at Keith@KMyers.me.

• https://riema.ri.gov/resources/local-emergency-managers
• https://www.dot.ri.gov/travel/index.php
• https://riema.ri.gov/preparedness-branch
• https://riema.ri.gov/planning-branch/evacuation
• https://health.ri.gov/emergencies/rhode-island-special-needs-emergency-registry