A Content Analysis on the Phases of Emergency Management for Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico

Authors

Jose Rivera, University of Central Florida

Mentor

Dr. Fernando Rivera

Abstract

The destruction caused by Hurricane Maria challenged the emergency management agencies in Puerto Rico. More than a month after the storm, most of the island remained without electricity, and full recovery has taken several months, if not years. This study explores the four phases of emergency management (mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery) for Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico from the perspective of FEMA and AEMEAD. Data comes from a content analysis of official communications, news reports, and social media postings from FEMA, AEMEAD, and other agencies responsible for emergency management in Puerto Rico. Results suggest that the magnitude of the storm, previous financial struggles, and a lack of preparedness were the main factors that influenced the emergency management process for AEMEAD. Also, results indicate that ongoing disasters, lack of priority, and geographic challenges were the main factors that influenced the emergency management process for FEMA. The findings of this study provide a comprehensive review of the emergency management procedures taken by FEMA and AEMEAD before, during, and after Hurricane Maria. This review can inform those involved in emergency management and can be utilized as a policy tool to learn and prepare for future catastrophic events.

About the Author

Jose Rivera is an undergraduate student of Economics at the University of Central Florida, born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His research is supported by the UCF Academic Advancement Program. He is a scholar of the UCF Research and Mentoring Program. His research mentor Fernando Rivera, PhD in Sociology serves as Director of the UCF Puerto Rico Research Hub. Currently, Jose works for the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College in NYC. Also, he serves in multiple leadership positions within UCF and the Central Florida community where applies his research and academic experiences.

Recommended Citation

Rivera, Jose (2019) "A Content Analysis on the Phases of Emergency Management for Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico," The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 11: Iss. 1, Article 2.
Available at: https://stars.library.ucf.edu/urj/vol11/iss1/2