R.I. Gen. Laws § 30-15.8-1: Authority of governor.

(a) The governor may enter into an agreement with any state bordering Rhode Island or with any office or agency of that state pledging to the state of Rhode Island participation in a mutual aid plan in the event of a disaster.

(b) The mutual agreement entered into by the state of Rhode Island and any other border state shall be activated only when the governor has declared a disaster to exist under the laws of this state, or the president of the United States, at the request of the governor, has declared a major disaster or emergency to exist in this state or the border state.