Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry

The Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry, or RISNER, is a service that tells first responders who may need help during an emergency because of their special healthcare needs. Many people may need extra help during an emergency, including people who: 

• Use life support systems like oxygen, dialysis, a respirator, a ventilator, or are insulin dependent;
• Have mobility needs and use a wheelchair, scooter, walker, cane, or other mobility device;
• Are visually impaired, blind, hard of hearing, or Deaf;
• Have speech, cognitive, developmental or behavioral health disabilities; or
• Use a service animal.

State and local first responders, like your town or city emergency management, police, ambulance, and fire departments, can use the information in RISNER to help them better prepare for, and respond to, your needs during a hurricane, storm, or other emergency in your area. Your information is confidential; first responders only use it to help with your safety and well-being. Only certain first responders have permission to see your information. Please note that enrollment in the Registry does not guarantee help during an emergency. 

You can enroll in RISNER online or by mail. To enroll online, click the Enroll Now button. To enroll by mail, you can download and print a registration form (English | Spanish | Portuguese) or, you can call 401-222-5960/RI Relay 711 or email RIDOH.RISNER@health.ri.gov to ask that a form be mailed to you. Mail completed forms to:

Rhode Island Department of Health – RISNER 
3 Capitol Hill – Lower Level 
Providence, RI 02908

You can find more RISNER resources—including brochures in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, FAQs about the program, and the My Emergency Plan Workbook—at health.ri.gov/emregistry.