Battered trees and rough seas in St. Thomas while Hurricane Irma was whiplashing St. Thomas on Sept. 6, 2017. Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM
The V.I. Department of Human Services is urging anyone 60 years or older and people with disabilities who live alone, to sign up for the Elder, Dependent, Adult and Disabled Persons Disaster registry.
According to D.H.S., the registry — authorized under ACT 8058 and endorsed by AARP of the U.S. Virgin Islands — helps Emergency Support responders and Support Service volunteers establish contact and communication with the individual, providing aid and support in the event of a man-made or natural disaster. The registry also places individuals into categories, including those who would need special transportation such as lift adaptive buses or an ambulance.
DHS said it submits the information collected from the registry to VITEMA, the VI Fire Service and the Virgin Islands National Guard to identify and rescue vulnerable populations in disaster situations, or if there is a medical or other emergency. This information is confidential and is strictly used for no other purpose than to assist the person in the registry, according to the release.
To register, visit the Department of Human Services, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Virgin Islands Elections System to fill out the registry form, or simply call one of D.H.S.'s offices to provide your information and have the form filled out for you.
The form can also be found here. Individuals can download the form, fill it out and drop it off at one of the above locations.
Call the following contacts for more information:
- St. Thomas – Department of Human Services Knud Hansen Building Phone: (340)774-0930 x 4109
- St. John – Department of Human Services Multipurpose Center Phone: (340)776-6334
- St. Croix – Richmond Senior Center – Phone: (340)773-6630
