Building Disaster Preparedness Capacity in Puerto Rico
GrantID: 2489
Grant Funding Amount Low: $500
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $10,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Natural Disaster Preparedness Study in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, with statistics showing a frequency of hurricanes and tropical storms that far exceeds that of many other U.S. territories. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reported that Puerto Rico experienced over 30 significant natural disasters in the last two decades. This high-risk profile highlights the urgent need for comprehensive study into community preparedness which remains essential for improving responses to future crises.
Local entities facing this barrier include municipal governments, emergency responders, and community organizations whose mandates often include disaster preparedness. Puerto Rico’s demographics, with a population of roughly 3.3 million, are diverse, and readiness for emergencies varies widely across different communities. Identifying gaps in local emergency response plans is critical to ensuring comprehensive disaster preparedness across the island.
The funding opportunity is particularly relevant for researchers looking to assess community preparedness in Puerto Rico. Qualified projects could include surveys and interviews that capture how residents perceive their readiness and identify the specific needs of their communities. This localized approach ensures that the findings are relevant and tailored to the unique circumstances of Puerto Rican families.
These outcomes matter significantly for Puerto Rico, where the toll of inadequate disaster preparedness manifests not only in terms of lives lost but also in economic disruption. By informing improvements in emergency response strategies, the research can help ensure that resources are allocated effectively, maximizing the island’s resilience to future threats.
In summary, the funding provides a vital resource for researchers in Puerto Rico to study disaster preparedness in depth. This targeted support addresses an urgent need for comprehensive approaches to community resilience, given the territory's recurrent natural disasters, thereby laying a foundation for improved safety and recovery efforts in future crises.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
