Puerto Rico Department of Education activates school emergency alert system

The Puerto Rico Department of Education has officially activated a new emergency alert system for its schools and facilities. Funded by an $18.8 million federal investment, the system is designed to issue warnings and coordinate rapid responses with the Puerto Rico Police and emergency management agencies.

The system was activated during a drill at the Francisco Valdés School in Caguas as part of the Gran ShakeOut earthquake simulation. The technology includes a command center located at the Office of the Security Commissioner, which allows personnel to monitor reports and dispatch the appropriate emergency services.

Key features of the system include loudspeakers for live instructions and recorded messages, panic buttons, and activation mechanisms via mobile devices, fixed equipment, and a web platform. The system is capable of targeting specific facilities, entire educational regions, or all connected agencies, and includes energy backup systems to ensure functionality during crises.