Civil Defense prepares 2,742 shelters for 2026 hurricane season

Santo Domingo.- The executive director of the Dominican Civil Defense and president of the National Emergency Commission (CNE), Juan Salas, met with the institution’s 32 provincial directors to coordinate preparedness efforts ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.

Salas announced that Civil Defense has 2,742 shelters available across the country and a volunteer force of more than 15,000 people ready to respond to emergencies and hydrometeorological events. He stressed the importance of prevention and instructed local authorities to work closely with Disaster Prevention, Mitigation, and Response Committees to strengthen readiness at the community level.

The official also encouraged citizens to use the AlertaDO mobile application to report emergencies and disaster risks, while urging the public to identify nearby shelters through information available on Civil Defense platforms. Salas emphasized that preparation, prevention, and adherence to official guidance remain key to minimizing risks and protecting lives during the hurricane season.