Guaynabo, Puerto Rico — Nearly 600 students from the ages of 6 to 13 received natural disaster preparedness tools at various events throughout Puerto Rico.
As part of this effort, FEMA led the initiative Mitigation for Kids with the purpose of providing guidance to students on what to do and how to prepare for hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes and other emergencies. So far, FEMA has visited various municipalities, including Barceloneta, Cabo Rojo, Caguas, Canóvanas, Ceiba, Ciales, Guayama, Gurabo, Manatí and Vega Alta.
Focusing on the environment and its behavior, one of the events was held at the Monserrate León de Irizarry School in Boquerón, Cabo Rojo.
There, more than 100 people, mostly students from grammar and middle school, learned techniques on how to observe, listen and act in times of hazard. Likewise, they took part in an earthquake drill in which they practiced the “drop, cover and hold on” technique.
“Our community is currently involved in learning more about natural disasters, such as tsunamis and earthquakes, in order to be prepared and know how to act in case that any event takes place,” said a parent of one of the volunteers at the event.
Students also learned about the list of recommended supplies that should last for ten days in case of an emergency. Furthermore, the importance of having a preparedness kit or backpack including commodities was highly stressed.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) 711/VRS - Video Relay Service). Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish). TTY call 800-462-7585.
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