From January 26 to February 1, the Liberty NY Rotary Club (LNYRC) Disaster Preparedness and Relief Team, consisting of Irving Kaplan, Dan Parkhurst, Gary Siegel and Gary Silver, traveled to Puerto Rico to strengthen disaster readiness on the island. 

The trip centered on the team’s participation in the three-day Puerto Rico VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) Conference, where they connected with organizations such as FEMA and VOAD to foster collaboration, cooperation, and coordination in disaster preparation. 

Puerto Rico, historically impacted by devastating hurricanes and earthquakes, faces ongoing challenges, including a fragile power grid, make these efforts essential for building resilience in the face of future disasters.  

A central focus of the trip was the advancement of the LNYRC Disaster Preparedness Plan, which includes tools such as a Disaster Response Contact List Form, a Family Emergency Plan Form, and a Proof of Occupancy and Home Ownership Form for FEMA assistance. 

The team worked closely with representatives from FEMA to enhance and refine the plan, ensuring it met the needs of communities at risk. Currently being piloted by six Rotary clubs in Puerto Rico, the plan was designed to empower communities with essential resources for disaster preparation and recovery. 

During their visit, the team met with the leadership of the pilot clubs and worked alongside Rotary District 7000 leadership to refine and implement the plan. 

By aligning their efforts with both Rotary leaders and key disaster response organizations, the LNYRC team is dedicated to equipping Puerto Rican communities with the knowledge and tools they need to face future emergencies with confidence.