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The Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) in Rhode Island, US has broken ground on a $2.5 million headquarters, which will help train first responders.

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Housing a regional training facility and an emergency operation centre, the new facility is an addition to the organisation’s Charles St. headquarters. It will feature a garage, dormitory, kitchen, showers, and laundry facilities that are expected to retain the staff for longer hours during an emergency, according to an official.

The facility is aimed at strengthening the first responders' ability to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies.

Ground was broken for the project on 23 October 2012 and is expected to complete by July 2013.