Natural disasters are a constant threat affecting the Caribbean basin. Preparedness for hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions have been an important priority for both governments and private institutions.
Hurricanes Irma and Maria were a “wake up call” to all in terms of our preparedness when it comes to telecommunications.
The two storms destroyed the existing communications infrastructure that predominantly relies on fiber-optic cables or terrestrial wireless that make use of electric power poles and the ones placed underground, or towers that could be impacted by strong winds. Terrestrial communications infrastructure is linear in nature, so a single break can isolate entire communities miles away from the problem. There was no plan B. Satellite technology has been phased out and decommissioned for the most part.
Preparation & Response Centers
CPR board understood that emergency preparedness and response plan for disasters in Puerto Rico, needed to include different centers in different sectors of the community. We call these centers Digital Communications Centers / Community Hubs (DCC)
DIGITAL DISASTER-RESPONSE PLATFORM
CPR can deploy and operate eight digital communications centers in Puerto Rico linking disaster-affected communities with the world. These centers will interconnect through resilient satellite and wireless broadband infrastructure.
Collaboration with the Diaspora
CPR have registered and already operates in the States of New York and Connecticut. It has been invited to consider operating in other states. PR's board of directors include half of its members, those that work with the Diaspora
Common Conditions in the Caribbean
Hurricanes
Earthquakes
Floods
Volcanic Eruptions
Help Make it Possible
When you donate to Caribbean Preparedness and Response, you're helping establish, maintain and operate Digital Communications Centers / Community Hubs (DCC) in critical sectors of the community in order to assist in the disaster recovery process and response efforts, and can strengthen preparedness for future emergencies.
- Create CPR Digital Emergency Communications Centers (DECC) providing one-stop, community-hub, resource, information, welcome services.
- These centers will interconnect with a resilient broadband telecom infrastructure.
- These DECC will provide emergency preparedness, distance learning, telehealth, workforce and economic development services, when there is no emergency.
- They will have the ability to switch to emergency operations mode when needed.
