FEMA To Offer Tips On How To Rebuild Stronger Homes At Crucian Coconut Festival

Virgin Island survivors who are cleaning up and rebuilding after hurricanes Irma and Maria can receive free advice at a local festival in St. Croix this Sunday, Dec. 3 on making their homes more resilient against future disasters, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced Thursday.

Hazard Mitigation Specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will have a table at the Crucian Coconut Festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bethlehem Sugar Factory, across from the Army National Guard, in Estate Bethlehem, in St. Croix.

FEMA specialists will be available to offer tips and techniques and free publications about cleaning up mold and mildew from flooded homes as well as building hazard-resistant homes. Most of the tips and publications provided at the information stations are geared for do-it-yourself homeowners and general contractors. Some of the information will include how to protect homes against high winds by securing roofs and siding and using special hardware connectors and brackets when framing to make structures stronger, and safer.

“We encourage hurricane survivors to check in with our specialists,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William Vogel. “Survivors who take advantage of the consultations may walk away with some excellent project ideas.”