Puerto Rico Guard activated due to Tropical Storm Karen

By Puerto Rico National Guard September 23, 2019

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- The Puerto Rico National Guard has been activated statewide due to the impending passage of Tropical Storm Karen and is prepared to support the government of Puerto Rico, the PR Emergency Management and Disasters Administration and other security and relief agencies before the passage of the atmospheric system.

"The Puerto Rico National Guard is prepared to comply with the activation of the Governor in support of security and emergency agencies," said the Adjutant General of Puerto Rico, Maj. Gen. José J. Reyes. "We have personnel working in the Joint Operations Center of the PRNG and in the Emergency Operations Center together with Emergency Management personnel from where all the logistics of the emergency management will be performed, as well as the monitoring of the trajectory of the storm and the identification of the areas most affected by the system."

Engineering and transportation teams are already deployed in strategic locations. The members of the PRNG are on notice and ready to support the PREMA, the Puerto Rico Police and the Department of Transportation during the emergency.

"I ask citizens to take proper precautions while working on the preparations or final details of the protection of their homes," said Reyes. "Also, I advise those who live in possible flood zones not to wait up to the last minute to move to the nearest shelters since the atmospheric system could bring a lot of rain that could cause flooding and overflow of rivers. It is better to be safe than sorry."

Citizens must stay informed and heed the recommendations given by the PR Emergency Management and Disasters Administration and the National Meteorological Service.