San Juan, .- The commissioner of the Bureau of Emergency Management and Disaster Management (NMEAD) of Puerto Rico, Carlos Acevedo, on Thursday urged the public to prepare a family emergency plan for the hurricane season that begins on Saturday June 1.
“In just over a week the hurricane season begins and citizens must have an emergency plan ready to cover the needs of their families,” the official said in a statement.
“It is important to store non-perishable food and bottled water for at least ten days per family member, including pets, we should not wait until the proximity of a tropical system is announced to prepare us and not minimize the forecasts. important to remember that only one storm is enough for the season to be active, “said the official
Acevedo explained that according to the forecast of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, for its acronym in English) is expected a season quite close to normal and are predicted between 9 and 15 named storms (with winds of 39 mph or more) , of which 4 to 8 could become hurricanes (with winds of 74 mph or more), including 2 to 4 hurricanes of force majeure (category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 mph or more).
An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which 6 become hurricanes, including 3 hurricanes of force majeure.
The official indicated that the Family Emergency Plan should include the request for maintenance medications and those that are used to treat specific conditions.
In addition, citizens must know if they live in a flood zone or at risk of landslides, the location of the nearest refuge and have an emergency backpack containing two changes of clothes, a first aid kit, snacks, water, money in cash and important documents.
“In the Bureau we keep in constant communication with the Federal Agency for Emergency Management (FEMA), as well as the National Meteorological Service and the various state agencies that work directly in the preparation processes, response and recovery in times of emergency.
We have received instructions from Governor Ricardo Rosselló to take the necessary measures to guarantee the safety and preparedness of our people, as well as a diligent and effective response from the authorities. “(EFEUSA)
