May 1, 2024 | Issue 54

Don't miss out on this year's “Exploring Smithfield” event which the Economic Development Commission promises to be bigger and better than last year!

Purchase a punch-card for only $15 which gives you access to many free or discounted products and services during the months of June and July. Plus, when you complete 10 of the offers, you will earn a free crystal apple! Contact the Town Planner’s Office at the Town Hall at 233-1017 for information on how to purchase an Exploring Smithfield punch-card.

If your Smithfield business would like to participate, complete the application below ASAP and prepare an offer that will encourage customers to patronize your business. Alternatively, if your business is unable to participate with a punch-card promotion, you can still be an event sponsor. The funds from your sponsorship will be used to purchase advertising, postage or other necessary supplies for the event. All participating businesses and sponsors will be recognized on the punch-card and accompanying brochure, the Economic Development Commission’s Facebook page, throughout local publications and in this monthly newsletter. Help us make this event a success by submitting the attached application and return it to the Smithfield Economic Development Commission no later than Friday, May 3^rd. It can be returned by email to mphillips@smithfieldri.gov, dropped to the Town Planner's office at Town Hall, or mailed to Smithfield Economic Development Commission, 64 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917.

As of publication of this newsletter, Exploring Smithfield participants include the following businesses:

Ummm…I think we just had an earthquake?!

On April 5^th at approximately 10:20 a.m., a 4.8 magnitude earthquake occurred about 4 miles north of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, which is located in the northern part of the state. Shaking was felt throughout portions of the East Coast including here in Smithfield.

Not as common in other parts of the country, feeling the jolt of an earthquake is not unheard of in New England. In 1755, Cape Ann in Massachusetts sustained a 5.9 magnitude earthquake that was felt from Nova Scotia to South Carolina. The not-so-often but not-impossible quake caused hundreds of buildings to be damaged in the Boston area. 

Know the signs of an earthquake.

During an earthquake, you may hear a roaring or rumbling sound that gradually gets louder. You may also feel a rolling sensation that starts out gently and, within a second or two, grows violent. You may first be jarred by a violent jolt. A second or two later, you may feel shaking and find it difficult to stand up or move from one room to another.

Plan and practice what to do if an earthquake strikes.

By planning and practicing what to do if an earthquake strikes, you and your loved ones can learn to react correctly and automatically when the shaking begins. Get the entire family to practice an earthquake drill, especially if you have children. Participating in an earthquake drill will help you and your loved ones understand what to do in case you are not with them during an earthquake.

Make sure you and your children also understand the school’s emergency procedures for disasters. This will help you coordinate where, when, and how to reunite with your children after an earthquake.

Drop, cover, and hold on during your earthquake drill.

DROP down onto your hands and knees immediately. This position protects you from falling but still allows you to move if necessary.

COVER your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) underneath a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, get down near an interior wall or next to low-lying furniture that won’t fall on you, and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands. Try to stay clear of windows or glass that could shatter or objects that could fall on you.

HOLD ON to your shelter (or to your head and neck) until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if the shaking shifts it around.

For more information of local preparedness, contact Smithfield Emergency Management at 401-233-1095.

EARTH MONTH ACTIVITIES

It was a fabulous Earth Month for Smithfield Trash and Recycling! We kicked it off on April 13th with a huge recycling event. Over 350 vehicles came through with items to recycle. We accepted mattresses/box springs, electronics, bulk rigid plastics, plastic bags/film, clothing and textiles and sensitive documents for shredding.

Next up was our Earth Day Litter Clean-up from which we disposed of 1360 pounds of litter that was collected from Smithfield’s trails, parks and roadways. The main event was held on Saturday, April 20th. It was a bit damp, but the rain did not stop our hard working volunteers. We also had several mini clean-ups, held throughout the month, by some amazing residents and organizations. Some of the groups that got involved were; Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful, AAA, The Friends of Smithfield Cemeteries, Gifted Girls From Ocean State Baptist Church, Cub Scout Pack 3 Greenville, Smithfield High School’s Girls Lacrosse Team, National Juniors Honors Society, and Smithfield Rotary Club. Hopefully we didn’t miss anyone, as we are so grateful to all of our wonderful helpers! You, too, can be a helper, as litter clean-ups can happen any time throughout the year. Contact Melissa at Smithfield DPW, (401) 233-1034 x205 and she will set you up with the needed supplies and schedule for the collected trash to be picked up.

Lastly, we held a Tire Recycling event, on April 27th sponsored by Town Fair Tire. Tons of tires are being sent for recycling into new products, rather than landfilled!

Mission Statement:

The Conservation Commission shall acquire, protect, and conserve open space, land and natural resources for the people of the Town of Smithfield and future generations. It shall protect watershed resources and preserve natural aesthetic areas with the Town, and run educational projects to accomplish these goals and foster the value of these irreplaceable resources in our town.

The Smithfield Conservation Commission needs two new members for the Commission.

The Commission meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:oo PM at the Conservation Center located at 5 Waterview Drive.

Information about Conservation Commission Activities

NFPA offers 6 key tips to safely tackle spring cleaning

As people power up their lawnmowers, rake up debris, touch up chipped paint, and take on myriad projects to get their homes and yards ready for the months ahead, following are six key practices and supporting recommendations provided by the National Fire Protection Agency to help minimize the risk of fires and associated hazards:

Properly use and store gasoline.

• Use gasoline only as motor fuel, never as a cleaner or to break down grease.
• Only store gasoline in a container that is sold for that purpose and never bring it indoors, even in small amounts.
• Never store gasoline containers in a basement or in the occupied space of a building. Keep them in a detached garage or an outdoor shed.
• Make sure the container is tightly capped when not in use.

Carefully dispose of rags with paint and stain.

The oils commonly used in oil-based paints and stains release heat as they dry. If the heat is not released in the air as the rags dry, the heat is trapped, builds up and can cause a fire.

• Never leave cleaning rags in a pile. When you’re finished using the rags, take them outside to dry, keeping them well away from the home and other structures.
• Hang rags outside or spread them on the ground and weigh them down so that they don’t blow away.
• Put dried rags in a metal container, making sure the container is tightly covered. Fill the container with a water and detergent solution, which will break down the oils.
• Keep containers of oily rags in a cool place out of direct sunlight and away from other heat sources. Check with your town for information on how to properly dispose of them.

Use/store flammable and combustible liquids with care.

• Flammable and combustible liquids should not be used near an open flame.
• Never smoke when working with these liquids.
• If you spill liquids on your clothing, remove your clothing and place it outside to dry. Once dry, clothing can be laundered.
• Keep liquids in their original containers. Keep them tightly capped or sealed. Never store the liquids in glass containers.

Inspect grills to ensure they’re in good working order.

• Inspect your grill carefully and make sure it’s free of grease or fat buildup. Clean out any nests, spider webs, or other debris you may find.
• For propane grills, check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.

Keep debris well away from your home.

Every year, wildfires burn across the U.S., with more and more people living in communities where wildfires are a real risk.

• Dispose of branches, weeds, leaves, pine needles, and grass clippings to reduce fuel for fire.
• Remove leaves, pine needles, and other flammable material from the roof, gutters, and on or under the deck to help prevent embers from igniting your home.
• Remove dead vegetation and other flammable materials, especially within the first five feet of the home.
• Move construction material, trash, and woodpiles at least 30 feet away from the home and other outbuildings.

Clean out your clothes dryer.

• Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe for your dryer is not restricted and that the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. This includes making sure the outdoor vent flap is not covered by snow.
• Move things that can burn, such as boxes, cleaning supplies and clothing, away from the dryer.
• Clothes that have come in contact with flammable substances like gasoline, paint thinner, or similar solvents should be laid outside to dry, then can be washed and dried as usual.

Town of Smithfield

Helping Hands Fund

Donations are being accepted throughout the year for the Town of Smithfield’s Helping Hands Fund established to help bring hope and joy to less fortunate families in our community. Contributions to the fund will be used to provide essentials including clothing, food, and gift certificates.

Please send your donation to the Town Hall, c/o The Town Manager's Office, 64 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917.

Medication Disposal - Smithfield Police Station

• The Smithfield Police Department provides the public with a safe, convenient, and responsible means to anonymously dispose of various unused, unwanted, and/or expired medications 24/7.  
• Accepted Items: prescription medications/patches, ointments (sealed in zip-lock bags), over-the-counter medications, vitamins, medication samples, and pet medications. 

Vacancies for Town Boards and Commissions

• The Town is currently seeking volunteers to serve on various boards and commissions. These boards and commissions act as advisory committees to the Town Council. Town residents with an interest in serving on any of these boards or commissions are encouraged to apply.
• Interested parties should complete the online application form. Please make sure to include interest or experience in the field of each particular board or commission that you are applying for.
• Check online for board & commission vacancies at Onboard click the “Run Report” button on the left of that page.
• Current Openings Include (Feel free to use the links below to contact the board chairs for additional information):
• Affordable Housing Advisory Board
• Budget and Financial Review Board
• Conservation Commission
• Economic Development Commission
• Historic Preservation Commission
• Smithfield Land Trust
• Smithfield Sewer Authority
• Smithfield Water Supply Board Advisory Commission



Smithfield Samaritans

• The Smithfield Town Council has an initiative program called “Smithfield Samaritans,” and encourages anyone in the community to self-nominate or submit a name to the Town Manager, of a Smithfield resident or business in town who is doing or has performed an act of kindness or a good deed that is notable or charitable.
• The Town Council will review all nominations that are submitted and will each month select one individual or business to be recognized with a citation and the opportunity to speak at the council meeting explaining their good deeds “on the record.”
• The nomination form is available online here as well as printed copies available in Town Hall.