Providence Strengthens Region's Emergency Preparedness with New Chemical Sensors in the Port of Providence

Chemical sensors will enhance PEMA's ability to evaluate and respond quickly to hazards

PROVIDENCE - Mayor David N. Cicilline and Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Peter T. Gaynor announced the City is preparing to install a new chemical-detection sensor system in the Port of Providence to enhance safety and security in the region. The chemical detectors, funded through a $593,000 competitive U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant, will alert first responders to chemical hazards in the Port when seconds count.

"These chemical sensors will provide our emergency response personnel with critical information needed to accurately evaluate potential threats and mobilize quickly to protect the residents of our state," said Mayor Cicilline. "This state-of-the art technology developed right here in Rhode Island is also helping to retain jobs and put people to work."

The chemical sensors are being developed and installed by Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems in Portsmouth, Rhode Island and Smiths Detection. The Smiths Centurion II is a continuous air monitoring system designed to detect and identify a wide range of Chemical Warfare Agents and Toxic Industrial Chemicals. The chemical detection system will alert and protect communities from accidental and intentional chemical hazards.

The new sensors will be integrated with PEMA's Port Area Waterside Video Surveillance System (PAWSS), which enables PEMA to respond immediately to emergency disasters involving vessels in Narragansett Bay. The surveillance system provides emergency response personnel with live camera feeds throughout the bay, between the Port of Providence and the entrance to the bay in Newport.

PEMA also recently installed a new Port of Providence Emergency Siren Warning System (PPESWS) which emits a loud alert and voice message to notify Port businesses, residents and visitors of emergency situations.