Rhode Island

Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• Weather & Natural Disasters
  Rhode Island’s weather brings warm, humid summers with temperatures often in the 80s and cold winters averaging in the 20s to 30s, with occasional snowstorms. As a coastal state, it is prone to nor’easters, hurricanes, and flooding, particularly during hurricane season.
  
  Hurricanes & Flooding
  Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk occurring in August and September. Newport, being a coastal city, is especially vulnerable to storm surges, high winds, and heavy rainfall during hurricanes. While direct hits from major hurricanes are rare, even weaker storms can cause significant flooding and damage.
  
  Coastal flooding is a significant concern, especially during high tides, nor’easters, or hurricane remnants. Storm surges can push seawater onto the coastline, causing flooding in low-lying areas. Keep an emergency kit stocked with essential supplies, including food, water, and flashlights, and have an evacuation plan in place in case of coastal flooding. Be aware of high tide warnings and avoid flooded areas.
  
  Receiving weather warnings, alerts and updates through multiple means will ensure that you and your family can be prepared and take act quickly. NOAA weather radio, local weather broadcasts, outdoor sirens, wireless emergency alerts (if you switch to an American area code), weather apps, and social media are all great tools to receive national and statewide disaster and emergency alerts.
  
  For more in-depth information, check out ready.gov, a national campaign aimed at educating and empowering individuals to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters.
   
• Neighbourhoods
  Cities: Newport
  Located in Newport, Naval Station Newport is home to some of the Navy’s most prestigious educational institutions including the United States Naval War College (NWC). The area is rich in cultural and recreational opportunities, from sailing and beaches to historic landmarks and festivals. CAF can search for housing in Newport, or also Portsmouth and Jamestown.
  
  Newport has a tourism-driven economy with opportunities in hospitality, retail, and restaurants. Additionally, the Naval Station Newport itself may have civilian employment roles. Newport County schools, including those in Middletown and Portsmouth, are well-regarded. Families seeking private or specialized schools have several options in the area.
  
  Use this tool to help you learn more about a community. You can get information on schools, home values, weather, population and more > Access the Military One Source Neighbourhood Navigator.
   
• Navel Station Newport
  For more detailed information about each base, including contact information and specific services offered, you can visit Military One Source and select your state followed by your installation or click the links below.
  
  Spouses and dependents with valid Department of Defense (DoD) identification cards have access to the base.

  • Naval Station Newport Offers a variety of amenities, including a commissary, exchange system, fitness centers, libraries, arts and crafts centers, bowling alleys, tennis and basketball courts, and non-denominational chapels. Additionally, the base features the Naval War College Museum, which showcases the history of naval warfare and the U.S. Navy. For the most updated information on Naval Station Newport MWR facilities and services > visit Naval Station Newport Fleet and Family Readiness
• Getting Around
  Getting around Newport in relation to the Naval Station Newport is primarily car-dependent, as the base is located just outside the city center. Traffic around the base can be moderate, especially during shift changes or base events. Public transportation options in Newport are limited, though there is a local bus service operated by RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority) that provides some access around the city and nearby areas.
• On-Base Medical Treatment Facility
  Naval Station Newport, is served by the Naval Health Clinic New England (NHCNE), which provides comprehensive medical services to CAF Families who have been enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and have TRICARE eligibility.
  
   
• Critters & Wildlife
  Rhode Island is home to wildlife such as venomous snakes like the Eastern Timber rattlesnake and the copperhead, as well as ticks that can carry Lyme disease, particularly in wooded areas. The state also has insects like mosquitoes, ants, and occasional encounters with coyotes or black bears in more rural regions. Compared to Canada, Rhode Island’s milder climate supports a greater variety of reptiles and insects, so routine pest control is recommended to manage ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests during the warmer months.
• Children's Education
  There are several public schools along with a few charter schools and a private French American school within a 25-mile radius of Newport.

  • Newport Public Schools
  • Middletown Public Schools
  • Portsmouth Public Schools
  • The Compass School
  • The French American School of Rhode Island: Offers a dual-language education from preschool through eighth grade, focusing on French and English instruction. Private institution with its own admission process and tuition fees. It's advisable to contact the school directly for current enrollment information.
• Childcare
  Child Development Centers
  Child development centers (CDCs) generally offer childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Care is available Monday through Friday, with some locations offering options such as extended hours, weekend care and respite care. Child development centers vary in size and larger installations may operate multiple facilities. Programs are certified by the Defense Department and accredited by a national accrediting body, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children
  
  For a full list of all military-operated childcare programs, including Child Development Centers, Childcare programs, before- and after-school care, as well as summer and holiday camps – visit MilitaryChildCare.com. Here you can enter in your location or Military installation and find a comprehensive list of all Childcare programs as well as initiate a request for childcare through child development centers, school-age care programs and DOD certified family childcare providers.
  
  Additional Child and Development-related resources:

  • Zero to Three is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the healthy development of our nation’s infants and toddlers
  • Birth to Five watch me Thrive is a podcast from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Early Childhood Development provides information for parents about celebrating milestones, the importance of health screenings, how to identify delays and early concerns and how to provide developmental supports for children.
  • Exceptional Family Member Program works with other community and military agencies to make sure military parents have the early intervention services their infants and toddlers need.
  • Thrive — a free, online parenting program that promotes positive parenting, stress management and healthy lifestyle practices.
  • The Military Child Education Coalition is a nonprofit organization that promotes partnerships and provides for networking of military installations and their supporting school districts. 
  • The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children is designed to make transitions smooth for families moving to a new duty station. 
  • Military K-12 Partnership between the DOD and the Department of Defense Education Activity, has all of the services working with educators and administrators across the nation to provide quality education for all children of military families. 
  • Exceptional Family Member Program can help families navigate the DOD’s network of services and support if they have a child with a disability or special need.
  • The MWR Digital Library is a free, online resource for service members and their families that offers a wide variety of activities and materials for all ages. 
  • Sesame Workshop has various toolkits to help military families with young children handle the challenges of military life.
  • Military OneSource education consultants provide one-on-one, free and confidential services. These consultants can provide referrals to in-home tutors and tutoring centers in their area as well as public and private school information. They enable parents to speak to specialists with various areas of expertise. They include the New MilParent specialty consultation, designed for expectant parents and parents of children up to the age of 5 which provides support for a wide range of parenting issues
• Automobile Registration, Plates & Licenses
  The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles provides guidelines for transferring out-of-state titles and licenses.