2021 -- H 6491

========

LC003117

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

____________

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

THANKING RHODE ISLAND'S COOLING CENTERS FOR CARING FOR AND

PROTECTING THE STATE'S MOST VULNERABLE RESIDENTS

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Morales, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Filippi, Barros,
McEntee, Fogarty, Giraldo, Batista, and Cassar

     Date Introduced: July 01, 2021

     Referred To: House read and passed

1

     WHEREAS, When temperatures rise above 90 degrees for three or more days, it is called

2

a heat wave, and if the condition lasts for several weeks, it is called extreme heat; and

3

     WHEREAS, Older adults, infants and young children, and persons with chronic health

4

conditions are more susceptible to experiencing heat‐related illness. The elderly are particularly

5

sensitive to heat stroke and heat exhaustion because the skin and other systems' ability to regulate

6

body temperature declines with age; and

7

     WHEREAS, The mission of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency

8

(RIEMA) is, in part, to reduce the loss of life and ensure that the state is working together to

9

"protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all natural" hazards for the people of our

10

State; and

11

     WHEREAS, In order to meet this goal, RIEMA, when necessary, coordinates the opening

12

of shelters known as "cooling centers" for the public and those in need of shelter from the

13

extreme heat; and

14

     WHEREAS, Due to recent record-breaking extreme heat conditions, Cooling Centers

15

around Rhode Island have opened their doors and extended their hours to assist the public in

16

seeking shelter from the extreme heat, by providing shade, water, restrooms, and medical

17

attention; and

18

     WHEREAS, Cooling Centers, staffed by enthusiastic and dedicated employees and

19

volunteers are saving lives and are truly worthy of our recognition and gratitude; now, therefore

 

1

be it

2

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

3

thanks the staff and management of Rhode Island Cooling Centers and RIEMA for caring for and

4

protecting our State's most vulnerable residents; and be it further

5

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

6

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mr. Marc R. Pappas, Director of the Rhode

7

Island Emergency Management Agency.

========

LC003117

========

 

LC003117 - Page 2 of 2