Rhode Island General Laws Title 30. Military Affairs and Defense § 30-15-13. Local disaster emergencies

(a) A local disaster emergency may be declared only by the principal executive officer of a political subdivision.  It shall not be continued or renewed for a period in excess of seven (7) days except by or with the consent of the governing board of the political subdivision.  Any order or proclamation declaring, continuing, or terminating a local disaster emergency shall be given prompt and general publicity and shall be filed promptly with the city or town clerk.

(b) The effect of a declaration of a local disaster emergency is to activate the mitigation response and recovery aspects of any and all applicable local disaster emergency plans and to authorize the furnishing of aid and assistance thereunder.