La Fortaleza, San Juan, Puerto Rico – June 1, 2026 – As Puerto Rico begins the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, Governor Jenniffer González-Colón convened senior government officials, municipal leaders, federal agency representatives, and private-sector partners to review preparedness measures and coordinate response efforts aimed at protecting lives, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and ensuring the continuity of essential services in the event of a storm or hurricane affecting the Island.
The meeting brought together cabinet officials; House Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez; Mayor Gabriel “Gaby” Hernández of Camuy, President of the Federation of Mayors; Mayor Christian Cortés of Aguada, representing the Association of Mayors; federal partners; and private-sector stakeholders. Participants received updates on actions already implemented across government and industry to strengthen emergency response capabilities, enhance operational resilience, and support a coordinated response throughout the hurricane season.
“We have prepared proactively and in a coordinated manner to protect lives, safeguard property, and ensure the continuity of essential services. Collaboration between the state government, municipalities, the federal government, and the private sector is critical to an effective emergency response,” Governor González-Colón said.
As a result of ongoing investments to strengthen Puerto Rico’s water infrastructure, the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) currently operates 1,517 emergency generators, an increase of 39 units compared to last year. These additions further enhance the utility’s operational capacity during power outages and other emergency situations.
The Puerto Rico Bureau for Emergency and Disaster Management has conducted operational exercises across 10 emergency management zones, reaching all 78 municipalities. Meanwhile, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau has established emergency response plans that include alternate communications systems, integrated state and federal resources, and the operation of more than 190 facilities throughout the Island.
The Puerto Rico Department of Housing currently has 344 shelters available with the capacity to accommodate 47,561 individuals if necessary. Shelter inventories also include 22,922 cots as part of the government’s preparedness efforts.
The Puerto Rico Tourism Company reported that the agency maintains a comprehensive preparedness, response, and recovery plan designed to ensure the continuity of tourism services and the safety of both visitors and residents throughout the hurricane season.
Governor González-Colón reiterated her call for residents to finalize family emergency plans, stock essential supplies, and remain informed through official Government of Puerto Rico and emergency management channels. More than 160 participants attended the meeting, including agency heads, federal partners, municipal representatives, and private-sector stakeholders.
The Puerto Rico Department of the Family reported an inventory of 3.1 million pounds of food available to support emergency response efforts. Preparedness plans were also presented by the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, the Puerto Rico Department of Health, the Puerto Rico National Guard, the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, and other state agencies.
The Puerto Rico Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services Administration (ASSMCA, for its Spanish acronym) announced the execution of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with APS Healthcare, Inspira, and Keralty. These organizations, which provide behavioral health coverage to beneficiaries of the Vital Health Plan, will support ASSMCA’s efforts before, during, and after emergencies through prevention and educational initiatives and by ensuring the availability of telehealth services.
Residents may access ASSMCA’s PAS Line by calling 1-800-981-0023. Additional support is available through 988, while sign language services can be reached at 787-615-4112.
As part of the government’s broader preparedness and resilience strategy for the hurricane season, Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce Deputy Secretary Roberto Lefranc reported that 31 energy systems have been installed this year, including 24 completed during April and May through funding provided by the Energy Public Policy Program..
###
