2020 Silver Jackets Team of the Year: Puerto Rico Silver Jackets

The Puerto Rico Silver Jackets formally became a team in May 2019. The team has focused on enhancing community resilience and recovery from natural disasters, which at the time of its formation included the devastating impacts of Hurricane Maria (September 2017). A broad and diverse group of partners actively participate, including commonwealth government agencies, academia, non-governmental organizations, and Federal partners.

The team focuses on riverine and coastal flooding issues, and is directly supporting the State Hazard Mitigation Office with implementation of the new hazard mitigation plans.  Specific interagency collaborative efforts include an animated floodplain managers education and outreach video in English and Spanish, and a high water mark project, using Hurricane Maria historical high water mark data, for the municipality of Toa Baja.

The team has demonstrated its ability to build relationships to become a productive and effective team amidst the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria. Its continued commitment and capacity to adapt and accomplish the team’s mission and priorities are evident despite earthquakes and COVID-19 adding to hurricane recovery challenges.