LULAC AND FEMA WORKING CLOSELY TOGETHER AMID 2024 HURRICANE SEASON AND PREPARE FOR MILTON

Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Coordinates with Federal Agency in Disseminating Vital Information to Hispanic Communities

Washington, D.C. — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) announced today its close collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as hurricanes continue to batter the southeastern United States this season. In response to the looming threat of Hurricane Milton and the ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, LULAC is actively working with FEMA to ensure vital resources and lifesaving information reach Latino communities across affected regions.

"LULAC considers it imperative that lifesaving information and assistance is reaching the Latino communities in the southeastern United States," says Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. "Ahead of Hurricane Milton, which is rapidly approaching, and in the wake of what's already happened with Hurricane Helene, we are out in the field with FEMA teams making sure that our families are being reached and assisted. They have our commitment that LULAC advocates for them daily and that they are not alone."

President Joseph R. Biden has approved an Emergency Declaration for Florida, authorizing FEMA to take critical actions to save lives and protect health and safety in areas projected to be impacted by Hurricane Milton. FEMA is pre-staging in Florida and nearby regions with specialized teams, rescue operations, and life-sustaining supplies, ensuring preparedness for storm surges, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding. These efforts will continue as LULAC national leaders join FEMA in North Carolina to support impacted communities this week.

With hurricanes increasing in frequency and strength, the southeastern United States continues to bear the brunt of the devastation. LULAC leaders, including the National Vice President for the Southeast Mari Corrugedo, underscore the disproportionate impact on Latino and Spanish-speaking communities, particularly essential workers.

"The southeastern United States is once again the hardest hit from the effects of climate change this hurricane season," says Mari Corrugedo. "The frequency and the force of the hurricanes is increasing, and with it the devastation that our communities are suffering. Spanish-speaking residents, including essential workers, are often hit harder and have less of a safety net to rely upon. LULAC is here to ensure they are not forgotten and are getting the necessary assistance."

As FEMA and federal agencies pre-position resources and support local and state response efforts, LULAC's Florida chapter is mobilizing grassroots efforts to help keep families safe and informed. Asia Clermont, Florida LULAC State Director, underscores the importance of coordinated action at the community level.

"Florida LULAC has been in touch with a coalition of dozens of community-based organizations to coordinate a significant network of help that is ready," says Clermont. "It is vital that our families stay tuned for the latest information and be ready to evacuate near coastal areas that may be impacted. Also, we are working to keep them informed of shelters and services at their disposal. We will be here continually ahead, during and after this week's hurricane."

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About League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest Hispanic civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 535 Councils and 145,000 members across the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services, and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting the critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit https://lulac.org/