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VITEMA Speeds Up Sandbag Distribution as Tropical Storm Erin Approaches; Only Opportunity for 2025 Season

VITEMA, in partnership with fire services, public works, and other agencies, has advanced sandbag distribution to August 14–16 for most residents, with special provisions for vulnerable groups, as Tropical Storm Erin approaches the USVI.

  • Staff Consortium
  • August 13, 2025
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The V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) has moved up its sandbag distribution schedule in response to the projected impact of Tropical Storm Erin on the U.S. Virgin Islands. The agency, working in partnership with the V.I. Fire and Emergency Services, Department of Public Works, Office of the ADA Coordinator, and Department of Human Services, said it is taking proactive steps to ensure residents have access to hurricane preparedness resources before the storm arrives.

Officials stress that this will be the only sandbag distribution for the 2025 hurricane season, urging all residents to take advantage of the opportunity to safeguard homes and property.

Revised Distribution Schedule
General Public – Fire Stations

  • Dates: August 14, 15, and 16, 2025

  • Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

  • Requirements: Identification and personal shovel required

General Public – Department of Public Works (DPW) Sites

  • Dates: August 14 and 15, 2025 (Closed Saturday, August 16)

  • Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Closed for lunch 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.)

  • Requirements: Identification and personal shovel required

Access & Functional Needs + Aging Community

  • Call-in Dates: August 11–14, 2025 (9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.)

  • Delivery Dates: August 18–19, 2025

  • Contact:

    • St. Croix District – 340-718-2980

    • St. Thomas/St. John District – 340-473-1848 or 340-998-3571
      Given the short notice, partner agencies will make every effort to deliver sandbags, but those in this category are urged to seek help from neighbors, family, or community networks during the general distribution period.

Water Island

  • Date: September 6, 2025

  • Time: 8:30 a.m. at the Barge Dock

  • Provider: Department of Public Works
    Officials note that due to the short timeline, distribution on Water Island will take place after Erin’s expected passage. Residents are encouraged to obtain sandbags from St. Thomas or St. John during the general distribution dates.

Distribution Locations

  • St. Croix: DPW Estate Anna’s Hope, DPW Concordia Site, Cotton Valley Fire Station, Grove Station Fire Station

  • St. Thomas: DPW Sub Base Operations Yard, Fortuna Fire Station, Tutu Fire Station, Omar Brown Fire Station

  • St. John: DPW Susannaberg, Coral Bay Fire Station

On Saturday, August 16, only fire stations will be open for sandbag distribution.

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