Assessment of emergency capacity and infrastructure in Municipalities of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is highly susceptible to natural and man-made disasters due to its geographic location and climatological conditions. Population increases and urban planning exacerbate the socio-economic and public health impacts of emergencies on the Island. Although there is worldwide interest in emergency management (EM), little information is available on current capacity and integration of planning efforts in Puerto Rico. Our objective was to better understand existing EM capacities and procedures at the local level. We used a grounded theory qualitative research approach. The study sample consisted of 23 Municipal EM Offices, 11 EM zone offices and the central level State Agency for Emergency Management (AEMEAD). Thematic analysis was performed on transcribed interviews with ATLAS.ti v. 5.2.2 using the constant comparative method. Observation and supporting documents strengthened our interpretation of interview data. Findings showed an encouraging level of planning and commitment to emergency readiness. However, several problematic conditions interfere with the implementation of strategic solutions. A core group of agencies with overlapping missions protects the health and security of the island's population, but political and economic conditions negatively affect the continuity of established programs and prioritization of issues. Existing gaps in communication further hamper efforts. This study highlights major areas with which Puerto Rico needs to work with before attempting to implement federal initiatives such as the National Incident Management System. (Funded by the CDC and the Puerto Rico-DOH. IRB approved.)