Jesenía Figueroa Nieves, coordinator of the Education Area of the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, explained that the terms 'temblor', 'sismo', and 'terremoto' are synonyms. The Puerto Rico Seismic Network detects and investigates seismic activity on the island. According to Figueroa Nieves, it is essential to be prepared for earthquakes, as they can cause damage to buildings, landslides, tsunamis, and loss of life.
To prepare, individuals should identify safe zones, such as under a table or desk, and secure heavy objects in their homes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend staying away from glass and mirrors that can break. Figueroa Nieves also advised creating a family emergency plan, which should include an analysis of risks in the home, such as living in a coastal or mountainous area.
The plan should also consider the risk of tsunamis, and individuals can check if their home is in a tsunami evacuation zone on the Puerto Rico Seismic Network's website.