The U.S. National Weather Service and Emergency Management participate in the radio show of WKAQ-AM

U.S. National Weather Service and Emergency Management participating in the radio show of WKAQ-AM. FEMA/Yuisa Rios

We are approaching the month of September, which historically has produced the highest number of hurricanes that have severely affected Puerto Rico. FEMA's Caribbean Area Office in Puerto Rico (CAO) continues its work to inform people about the importance of preparedness, and about the importance of creating a culture of preparedness at the individual and collective level. On Wednesday, August 24, Orlando Olivera, CAO coordinator, had the opportunity to participate in the first Hurricane Tour emergency forum, a special section of the radio program "De Frente" that airs on WKAQ-AM. Nino Correa, Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau (PREMB) commissioner, and Ernesto Morales, meteorologist in charge at the US National Weather Service in Puerto Rico, both participated with Olivera during this first episode of the forum, which was broadcast live from the PREMB facilities.

During the program, the three professionals recounted how the impact of Hurricane Irma, among other elements, made Hurricane Maria so disastrous for Puerto Rico. The CAO coordinator explained how FEMA supports all preparedness initiatives that help Puerto Rico become more resilient. Commissioner Nino Correa also echoed the importance of individual and institutional preparedness and spoke of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) workshops being conducted around the island for people of all ages. Meteorologist Ernesto Morales provided a historical context of forecasting models and how they have evolved over the years. At the end, they all made an exhortation to the public, even though we are currently talking about the peak of the hurricane season, it is important to be prepared at all times because a disaster can happen at the least expected moment.