Aquidneck Island Emergency Volunteer Alliance

History

In the summer of 2014, the local Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs) of Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth came together to enhance their regional emergency response plan by forming a body of local volunteers who would serve Aquidneck in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. In collaboration with the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Red Cross, the group formed the Aquidneck Island Emergency Volunteer Alliance (AIEVA).

The concept of forming a local volunteer support team came after Blizzard "Nemo" of 2012 left Aquidneck Island with the inability to reach much-needed resources from the "mainland" when the bridges were in peril of closure due to severe weather conditions. Blizzard "Nemo" saw the care of up to 500 residents from all three communities at the Regional Shelter.

Mission

AIEVAs mission is to provide volunteer support from all three communities (Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth) to operate the Regional Emergency Shelter run by the American Red Cross at the Gaudet School in Middletown in the event of an emergency. In addition, volunteers would also be called upon to support the work of all three EMAs for medical, food, and water distribution if ever needed.

How You Can Help

Visit the AIEVA Facebook Page and select the "Volunteer Registration" page, fill it in and submit. From there we will send you information on all the ways you can help. Volunteers must be over the age of 18 and be willing to undergo a criminal records background check. We will provide free training when necessary and have information regarding emergency events readily available.