Hurricane damage in St. Thomas during the passage of Hurricane Irma in 2017.
As the Atlantic hurricane season approaches, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its partners in the U.S. Virgin Islands are urging residents to prepare now for the upcoming season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.
During Hurricane Preparedness Week, citizens are advised to assess personal risks, update emergency communication plans, replenish emergency kits, and review personal and financial documents.
FEMA and its partners will be conducting a series of response exercises in the coming months to ensure readiness for supporting storm responses at the territory's request. Mark A. Walters, Virgin Islands Caribbean Area Office Coordinator, urged residents to stay informed, be ready, and remain vigilant during hurricane season, emphasizing that a single hurricane could have life-changing consequences.
Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) Director Daryl Jaschen called for creating and sharing written hurricane plans for 2023, noting that they provide comfort and guidance in the final hours before landfall and assist in surviving the aftermath.
Residents should tailor their preparations to their specific needs and responsibilities, including communication, child care, pet care, and operating medical equipment. The V.I. Department of Human Services' Elder, Dependent Adult, and Disabled Persons Disaster Registry is available to Virgin Islanders aged 60 and over, as well as those with disabilities.
For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes, www.vitema.vi.gov, and follow NOAA's Hurricane Preparedness Week themes at www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep-social-media-english.
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