Grand Rapids Launches First Spanish-Language Emergency Response Training to Address Language Barriers in Disaster Preparedness
Grand Rapids Emergency Management Director Benjamin Rance organized the first entirely Spanish-language emergency response training to help Spanish-speaking residents understand critical safety information during disasters.
**## Spanish-Speaking Residents Attend Community Training to Improve Emergency Response Knowledge
Many members of Grand Rapids' Spanish-speaking community came out to a community emergency response training, entirely in Spanish, on Wednesday, April 7, 2026.
The event was organized to address critical language barriers that prevent residents from understanding emergency instructions during disasters.
"As someone who speaks Spanish, I really appreciate the fact it can be difficult to know what to do if you're getting instructions or something in another language," said Benjamin Rance, Grand Rapids Emergency Management Director.
The training focused on having concrete plans, identifying safe places to go, and preparing emergency kits.
Personal Story Drives Community Engagement
Yamilus Popoter attended the training with her family after living through Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in 2017.
"It was kind of difficult for me because I did not know English, and it was my first time being in a place where it snowed, and we came in around the time where it was winter, so it was very hard for me to get adjusted to it," Popoter said.
Popoter, who is 10 years old, now wants to use what she learned to help others prepare.
"I can also put this to practice, and I also can teach people how to be prepared," Popoter said.
Training Held at Local Church
The event took place at Iglesia Cambiando Vidas Sedientas on the intersection of Burton and Division streets.
Pastor Miguel Abreu expressed excitement about the training's impact on the community.
"The best thing that I feel right now is how they feel, how to support one another, and that is part of our goal during this training," Abreu said.
Abreu hopes the church will host similar events in the future to keep the community informed and prepared.
Why Language Matters in Emergencies
Grand Rapids has a significant Spanish-speaking population, making the training particularly important for public safety.
Rance discussed the importance of providing emergency preparedness information in Spanish to ensure all residents can access critical safety information during disasters.
The training covered essential topics including:
- Having concrete emergency plans
- Identifying safe places to go
- Preparing emergency kits
- Understanding what to do during different emergency situations
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