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Friday, April 29, 2011

Pierluisi Provides Guidance on Federal Resources Available to Help Prevent and Respond to Emergency Situations

Bayamón, Puerto Rico- The Resident Commissioner, Pedro Pierluisi, participated today at the “2011 Seminar on Disaster Relief: The Federal Response,” where he discussed the federal tools that are available to help prepare for and respond to natural disasters, and explained the process to apply for federal funds for these purposes.

The Resident Commissioner underscored how important it is for citizens and government officials in Puerto Rico to be well prepared and fully informed in order to mitigate the impact of any potential disaster.

“It is imperative for our local agencies to be completely aware of, and to coordinate their own efforts with, the support system that federal agencies can offer to Puerto Rico. Similarly, it is critical that the general public understand the assistance that the federal government is capable of providing,” said Pierluisi.

In challenging economic times, the Resident Commissioner noted, the effect of a natural or accidental disaster can be particularly devastating, since resources are already stretched thin. “For this reason, it is essential that the response to any unexpected event be agile and coordinated, and that it take advantage of all available resources,” he said.

Pierluisi made reference to the natural disasters that recently affected Haiti and Japan. He reiterated that although Puerto Rico has not suffered a disaster of similar magnitude, these events have served to underscore the importance of instituting clear and effective procedures before any emergency takes place.

“Nobody likes to talk about potential disasters, but preparedness is of overriding importance. And it is precisely when times are most challenging that we have greatest reason to be thankful for our extraordinarily close relationship to the United States. This is because the United States takes care of its citizens. Experience has shown that in Puerto Rico’s times of greatest crisis, the federal government has been there to lend us a hand and to help our people recover and rebuild,” said the Resident Commissioner.