PROVIDENCE — State agencies and utility crews are preparing for a nor’easter expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to Rhode Island, with officials warning residents to be ready for possible flooding, downed trees and power outages.

Gov. Dan McKee joined officials from the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA), Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Energy on Friday to outline preparations for the storm.

“We’re keeping a close eye on this storm and making sure our teams are ready for whatever it brings,” McKee said.

RIDOT crews have been inspecting roads and cleaning catch basins where necessary, while preparing equipment including chainsaws, chippers and generators. Crews will be available throughout the weekend to respond to street flooding and downed trees and limbs.

Construction managers also have been working with road and bridge contractors to check drainage systems and erosion controls and secure equipment that could be affected by high winds.

RIEMA, meanwhile, has been coordinating with local emergency managers and public safety officials and reviewing response plans in case conditions worsen.

Residents are being urged to secure outdoor items, charge phones and other essential devices, check emergency supplies and medications and make sure they have several ways to receive weather and emergency alerts.

Officials also advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and never attempt to drive through flooded roads.

Rhode Island Energy said it is fully staffed and has additional crews ready to respond to outages. Most homes in the state now have smart meters that automatically detect and report outages, according to the utility, although customers can also report outages online, by text or by calling 1-855-743-1101.

Risks of generators

With outages potentially prompting greater use of portable generators, State Fire Marshal Timothy P. McLaughlin issued a separate warning Friday about the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Portable generators should never be operated inside an attached garage, even with the garage door open, McLaughlin said. Generators should be placed at least 20 feet from windows, doors and vents, with exhaust directed away from buildings.

“Portable generators emit carbon monoxide, a toxic and deadly gas that is impossible to detect without proper equipment since it is colorless and odorless,” McLaughlin said.

Generators should be shut off and allowed to cool before refueling. Residents also are advised to test their carbon monoxide detectors before the storm.

Anyone whose carbon monoxide alarm sounds should immediately leave the building and call 911, the fire marshal’s office said. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, fatigue and confusion.

The state is also expanding shelter availability during the storm. Four Providence shelters — Crossroads, Mathewson Street Church, Emmanuel House and Providence Rescue Mission — will operate around the clock beginning Friday. No referrals are required.

“A few simple steps taken now can make a big difference when severe weather arrives,” RIEMA Director Marc Pappas said.