Liberty NY Rotary Club Strengthens Disaster Preparedness in Puerto Rico
Liberty NY Rotary Club Strengthens Disaster Preparedness in Puerto Rico
Liberty, NY – February 2, 2025 – From January 26th to February 1st, 2025, the Liberty NY Rotary Club (LNYRC) Disaster Preparedness and Relief Team made a significant impact on disaster readiness in Puerto Rico, a region that has historically faced devastating hurricanes and earthquakes. The team, consisting of Irving Kaplan, Dan Parkhurst, Gary Siegel, and Gary Silver, traveled to the island with the mission to enhance resilience and preparedness in the face of future natural disasters.
The team’s efforts included participation in the three-day Puerto Rico VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) Conference, where they connected with key organizations such as FEMA and VOAD. These vital meetings focused on fostering collaboration, cooperation, coordination, and communication, which are essential for improving disaster preparedness across Puerto Rico.
“Puerto Rico's challenges are immense, particularly with a fragile power grid that often leaves communities vulnerable during and after disasters. Our team is committed to making sure the island’s Rotary clubs and communities are better equipped to respond and recover when the next disaster strikes,” said Irving Kaplan, Member of the LNYRC Disaster Preparedness Team.
In collaboration with Rotary District 7000 leadership, the Liberty Rotary team developed a comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Plan, which lays the groundwork for strengthening local disaster response efforts. The team identified and met with six pilot Rotary clubs across Puerto Rico, located in San Juan, Mayagüez, Yauco, Manatí, Guayama, and Quebradillas. These clubs were selected as the first to implement disaster preparedness strategies, with a goal to spark broader engagement from their members and local stakeholders.
“The response from the pilot clubs was incredibly positive. Some clubs were already in the process of forming their disaster preparedness committees, while others have made tremendous strides by reaching out to community stakeholders to establish priorities and goals for the next six months,” said Dan Parkhurst, a member of the team. “Our goal is to ensure that Rotary clubs across the island are ready—not if, but when—disaster strikes.”
The Liberty NY Rotary team’s visit was met with overwhelming gratitude, and the work of the team was formally recognized. During their trip, each of the LNYRC team members were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by Rotary District 7000 Governor, Marco Bilen-Thillet, in acknowledgment of their invaluable service and collaboration with local Rotary clubs in Puerto Rico.
“The efforts of the Liberty Rotary team have not only helped prepare Puerto Rico for future challenges but also provided a spark of hope and urgency for ongoing community involvement in disaster preparedness,” said D7000 Governor Belen-Thillet. “This partnership will go a long way in ensuring the island's resilience for years to come.”
As the Liberty NY Rotary Club Disaster Preparedness and Relief Team continues to work alongside Puerto Rico’s Rotary District 7000, the lasting impact of their mission will strengthen the island’s ability to survive, recover, and rebuild after disasters.
For more information about the Liberty NY Rotary Club and its Disaster Preparedness efforts, visit libertynyrotary.org.
The team’s efforts included participation in the three-day Puerto Rico VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) Conference, where they connected with key organizations such as FEMA and VOAD. These vital meetings focused on fostering collaboration, cooperation, coordination, and communication, which are essential for improving disaster preparedness across Puerto Rico.
“Puerto Rico's challenges are immense, particularly with a fragile power grid that often leaves communities vulnerable during and after disasters. Our team is committed to making sure the island’s Rotary clubs and communities are better equipped to respond and recover when the next disaster strikes,” said Irving Kaplan, Member of the LNYRC Disaster Preparedness Team.
In collaboration with Rotary District 7000 leadership, the Liberty Rotary team developed a comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Plan, which lays the groundwork for strengthening local disaster response efforts. The team identified and met with six pilot Rotary clubs across Puerto Rico, located in San Juan, Mayagüez, Yauco, Manatí, Guayama, and Quebradillas. These clubs were selected as the first to implement disaster preparedness strategies, with a goal to spark broader engagement from their members and local stakeholders.
“The response from the pilot clubs was incredibly positive. Some clubs were already in the process of forming their disaster preparedness committees, while others have made tremendous strides by reaching out to community stakeholders to establish priorities and goals for the next six months,” said Dan Parkhurst, a member of the team. “Our goal is to ensure that Rotary clubs across the island are ready—not if, but when—disaster strikes.”
The Liberty NY Rotary team’s visit was met with overwhelming gratitude, and the work of the team was formally recognized. During their trip, each of the LNYRC team members were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by Rotary District 7000 Governor, Marco Bilen-Thillet, in acknowledgment of their invaluable service and collaboration with local Rotary clubs in Puerto Rico.
“The efforts of the Liberty Rotary team have not only helped prepare Puerto Rico for future challenges but also provided a spark of hope and urgency for ongoing community involvement in disaster preparedness,” said D7000 Governor Belen-Thillet. “This partnership will go a long way in ensuring the island's resilience for years to come.”
As the Liberty NY Rotary Club Disaster Preparedness and Relief Team continues to work alongside Puerto Rico’s Rotary District 7000, the lasting impact of their mission will strengthen the island’s ability to survive, recover, and rebuild after disasters.
For more information about the Liberty NY Rotary Club and its Disaster Preparedness efforts, visit libertynyrotary.org.
Liberty NY Rotary Club Disaster Preparedness Team honored with Certificates by District 7000 Governor Marco Benét Thillet at the Guayama Rotary Club meeting—one of six pilot clubs. Pictured (front row, L to R): D7000 Governor Marco Benét Thillet, D7000 Governor Designee Gerry Cumpiano, LNYRC Team members Dan Parkhurst, Gary Silver, Gary Siegel, Irving Kaplan, and Guayama Rotary Club President Carlos Diaz. Celebrating collaboration and commitment to disaster preparedness!
LNYRC Team Connecting Yauco Rotary Club members with FEMA representative Jose Gonzalez. Pictured (l to r) Gary Siegel, Dan Parkhurst, Yauco Rotary Club members Emily and Dr. Pedro Rivera, FEMA Representative Jose Gonzalez, Irving Kaplan, Gary Silver.
LNYRC Team and Yauco Large Group Photo - Liberty NY Rotary Club Disaster Preparedness Team joins forces with the Yauco Rotary Club and community leaders in Yauco, Puerto Rico. The Yauco Rotary Club's 12-member committee has made significant progress in strengthening disaster preparedness efforts for the future.
