RI holds annual hurricane conference

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - First responders and emergency officials gathered Wednesday for the Rhode Island Hurricane Conference.

Organizations from both the private and public sectors participated in the event, held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Warwick.

Inside presentations were held on disaster preparation tips, and outside officials demonstrated how to put those ideas into use.

FEMA and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency were also on hand. David Smith, the Executive Director of RIEMA, said this year the conference was focusing on not only disaster preparations, but on studying the long-term effects of a crisis.

Private vendors also provided information about protecting homes and businesses during natural disasters.

Organizers say they saw their highest turnout ever this year due to the historic floods.