Maintenance of this significant flood protection project is of highest concern to the City. The community is subject to a variety of natural hazards in addition to flooding, including ice storms and river ice jams. Earthquakes are a greater risk than most people realize. There have been 31 recorded earthquakes in this state over the last 220 years. Rhode Island has experience several minor earthquakes in the last few years, but no extensive damage have occurred.
Fire is another risk in Providence because of the closely built urban residential environment.
Many wooden residential structures are close together which would allow fire to spread easily. Capacity for Public-Private Partnership Community leaders in Providence have already made a significant step toward partnerships with the establishment of the Providence Plan. The Providence Plan is a joint venture among government, the university community, and the private sector directed at the revitalization of Rhode Island's capital city. Its aim is to restore hope and create new opportunity for the people of Providence through a comprehensive initiative designed to address the fundamental causes of poverty and urban decline. The Providence Plan seeks to achieve these goals and others by building a series of partnerships among city, state, and federal agencies, business, labor, civic and religious groups, community-based organizations, academic institutions, and concerned residents.