Tu Casa Segura 2024: Celebrating 25th Campaign of Disaster Preparedness with Architect Astrid Diaz

This year marked the 25th campaign of Tu Casa Segura, a groundbreaking initiative led by the esteemed architect Astrid Diaz, dedicated to educating Puerto Ricans on how to prepare for and withstand natural disasters. Over the past quarter-century, Tu Casa Segura has become an essential resource for countless families, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect their homes and loved ones from the unpredictable forces of nature.

This milestone event was made even more special by the participation of Astrid Diaz’s daughters—Dr. Irene Astrid Bermúdez and the well-known meteorologist Deborah Martorell. Their involvement added a unique dimension to the event, bridging the gap between architectural resilience, health, and weather preparedness, making the message of Tu Casa Segura even more impactful.

The Instituto de Arquitectos Paisajistas de Puerto Rico (IAPPR) was honored to join Tu Casa Segura in this celebratory campaign. Our role was to provide valuable insights into how thoughtful landscape design can play a crucial role in disaster preparedness. We focused on educating the public about preparing and protecting their landscapes, emphasizing that a well-planned and maintained garden can serve as a natural defense against the severe weather conditions prevalent in the tropics.

During the event, we shared practical tips and strategies for fortifying outdoor spaces to mitigate the impact of hurricanes, heavy rains, and other natural disasters. From selecting wind-resistant plants to designing effective drainage systems that prevent flooding, our aim was to empower homeowners with the knowledge to create resilient landscapes that not only beautify their surroundings but also offer protection in times of crisis.

In addition to our presentations, we distributed our comprehensive guide on landscape disaster preparedness, which is also available for download on our website under the Resources section. This guide is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to enhance the safety and resilience of their outdoor spaces.

The 25th campaign of Tu Casa Segura was a tremendous success, and we are deeply grateful to have been a part of this important initiative. Architect Astrid Diaz, along with Dr. Irene Astrid Bermúdez and Deborah Martorell, have made a lasting impact on Puerto Rican communities through their unwavering commitment to disaster preparedness. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to further promote the critical role of resilient landscape design in protecting our homes and environment.