Puerto Rico is said to be due for an earthquake of large proportions
any time. The last such earthquake to affect Puerto Rico happened
in 1918. Since that date, only minor quakes have been felt.
The western part of Puerto Rico lies on a fault which is said to be
active.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA, telephone (787)729-7637)
provides emergency federal aid in the case of natural disasters.
The Puerto Rico Civil Defense (Defensa Civil) oversees all emergency activities. They are available at (787)724-0124 state-wide and at “Oficina de la Defensa Civil” at all municipalities. You should learn the number for your municipality and keep it among your emergency numbers.
The Department of Consumer Affairs (Departamento de Asuntos del Consumidor or “DACO”), telephone (787) 722-7555, publishes yearly a list of articles included in price-control in the event of emergencies. The list includes some food staples, fuel, batteries, some medicines and others. The law requires that the list must be visible at the entrance to retail establishments.
Most home mortgages granted by financial institutions require some
type of earthquake insurance. Check your mortgage papers or call
your insurance agent.
Some earthquake damage may be declared to be tax-deductible under
Puerto Rican laws.
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