Police, firefighters and emergency crews are gearing up to head to Puerto Rico in efforts of assisting in wake of natural disaster that left 3.4 million people without food, water, power, or medical supplies.
City officials announced today that the City of Newark is sending a mixed team of Police Officers, Firefighters, and Office of Emergency Management staff to Puerto Rico to assist federal, Puerto Rican, and other agencies in responding to the impact of Hurricane Maria on the island. The team will also bring generators and other emergency equipment to assist in the relief efforts.
With much electrical power and communications out in Puerto Rico, more than 3.4 million Americans are lacking basic needs, and that condition may continue for months. This is a population larger than the states of Vermont, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Alaska. Puerto Rico is also running short on critical medical supplies. In addition, the island is lacking manpower to respond to the crisis.
“We are already working with great energy to raise funds, manifest support, and show empathy with the fellow Americans of Puerto Rico who are suffering greatly in this unprecedented and devastating natural disaster. Now we are stepping up to the plate in person by putting Newark’s finest – our emergency management staff, police officers and firefighters – into action in the communities of Puerto Rico to bring professional manpower, our first response service members, bringing support, assistance, and most importantly, compassion and love, to those in need. To the residents of Puerto Rico, we are saying, ‘You are not alone. Help is on the way,’” said Mayor Baraka.
“Providing this assistance will not endanger the safety of our citizens or the delivery our police, fire or emergency services to our residents,” Director Ambrose said. This assistance is being accomplished with no cost to our residents. This isn't the first time we provided assistance to a disaster-stricken area, we also deployed manpower and resources to New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina and to New York City after 9/11.”
The emergency personnel will be deployed in three rotating teams. The Department of Public Safety will coordinate the deployment with the New Jersey State Police. Costs will not be borne by the City of Newark.
In addition, the City of Newark is supporting the Hurricane Maria Relief Effort Benefit concert and donation drive taking place on Saturday, October 7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 870 Mount Prospect Avenue, in Newark’s North Ward.
Necessary supplies will be collected for donation at the event. The concert is free and open to the public. Donations will also be accepted at additional locations.
In addition, on October 8th, a fundraiser will be held in partnership with the American Red Cross to raise money directed to victims of Hurricane Maria/Puerto Rico. The fundraiser will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Flamboyan Manor at 147 Verona Avenue in the city’s North Ward. Checks should be payable to American Red Cross/Hurricane Maria/Puerto Rico.
The Newark Department of Public Safety has established drop-offs for Hurricane Maria relief supplies at all Firehouses and Police Precincts citywide. Donations will be taken daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
All donated items must be non-perishable, not second-hand, and not contain liquids of any kind. Open or unsealed donations of food or hygiene supplies will not be accepted, nor will cash donations.