The Puerto Rico Department of Education (DEPR) officially activated its emergency alert system in schools and agency facilities during an event at the Francisco Valdés school in Caguas, as part of the Gran ShakeOut de Puerto Rico. The project strengthens communication and coordination with agencies responsible for responding to emergency situations. The activation took place at 10:00 AM during an earthquake drill, where students and employees practiced emergency measures.
The system, which includes speakers, panic buttons, and mobile device activation, is interconnected with the Emergency Management Bureau and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. According to Education Secretary Eliezer Ramos Parés, the system is part of the government’s effort to prepare students and employees for emergencies. Governor Jenniffer González Colón stated that the initiative aims to create safer schools with advanced technology for rapid and coordinated responses to emergencies.
The $18.8 million project was funded with federal RESTART funds and includes backup power for alert equipment. The implementation of the system adds to the distribution of communication radios in the 856 public schools, which was previously carried out by the Commissioner of Security.