As storm season approaches, residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands must prepare to protect their homes, families, and communities from the potential threats posed by hurricanes and tropical storms. Proper preparation not only ensures safety but also minimizes the impact of severe weather events. Below are essential guidelines for USVI residents to stay ready during the storm season.

1. Stay Informed with Reliable Sources

One of the most crucial aspects of storm preparation is staying informed. Keep up with weather updates from reliable sources such as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA). Sign up for alerts and warnings through local news outlets and emergency notification systems to receive real-time updates.

2. Create an Emergency Plan

Every household should have a comprehensive emergency plan in place. Discuss with family members what to do before, during, and after a storm. Identify a safe room within your home, typically an interior room with no windows, where you can take shelter. Designate an out-of-town contact person who can coordinate communication in case local networks are down.

3. Build an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit is vital for surviving the aftermath of a storm. Ensure your kit includes:

• Non-perishable food and water: A three-day supply for each family member.
• First aid supplies: Bandages, antiseptics, medications, and other essentials.
• Important documents: Copies of identification, insurance policies, and medical records.
• Tools and supplies: Flashlights, batteries, a multi-tool, and duct tape.
• Hygiene products: Hand sanitizer, soap, and personal hygiene items.
• Communication tools: A battery-powered radio, mobile phone chargers, and a whistle for signaling.

4. Secure Your Home

Taking steps to secure your home is essential to minimize damage during a storm. Inspect your property for potential hazards, such as loose branches, and trim trees that could cause damage if they fall. Reinforce windows and doors with storm shutters or plywood to protect against strong winds and flying debris. Additionally, consider securing outdoor furniture, grills, and other items that could become projectiles during a storm.

5. Review Your Insurance Coverage

Before the storm season begins, review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure it covers hurricane-related damage. Note that standard insurance policies often do not cover flooding, so you may need to purchase separate flood insurance. Keep your insurance documents in a safe, easily accessible place, and take inventory of your belongings to streamline the claims process if necessary.

6. Plan for Special Needs

If there are elderly family members, individuals with disabilities, or pets in your household, make specific arrangements for their care during a storm. Ensure you have enough medication, special dietary items, and pet supplies on hand. Identify nearby shelters that can accommodate these needs and plan for transportation if evacuation becomes necessary.

7. Know Evacuation Routes

Familiarize yourself with the designated evacuation routes in your area. VITEMA provides maps and guidelines on evacuation procedures that can be accessed online. Plan your route in advance, and keep a full tank of gas in your vehicle during storm season to ensure you can evacuate quickly if needed. Always follow local authorities’ instructions regarding evacuations.

8. Prepare for Power Outages

Storms often lead to power outages, which can last for days or even weeks. Prepare by having a backup power source, such as a generator, and stock up on batteries for flashlights and other essential devices. Charge your electronic devices ahead of time, and consider investing in a solar-powered charger. Perishable food should be consumed first, and frozen items can be kept cold longer by packing them tightly together in the freezer.

9. Stay Connected with Your Community

Community support is invaluable during storm season. Engage with your neighbors to create a support network. Share resources and information, especially with those who may need extra assistance. Participate in community meetings and workshops on disaster preparedness offered by local organizations.

10. Post-Storm Safety

After a storm passes, it’s important to stay vigilant. Avoid downed power lines and flooded areas, and report any damage to local authorities. Check on neighbors and offer assistance where needed. Listen to official announcements regarding when it is safe to return home if you have evacuated.

Preparation is the key to safety during storm season in the U.S. Virgin Islands. By staying informed, having an emergency plan, and taking proactive measures to protect your home and family, you can minimize the impact of storms and ensure a quicker recovery. Make storm preparedness a priority today, and encourage others in your community to do the same.

With these steps, USVI residents can navigate storm season with confidence, knowing they have done everything possible to protect themselves and their loved ones.

As the Virgin Islands government advances billion-dollar hurricane recovery projects initiated in 2017, residents brace for an above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, with forecasts predicting four to seven major hurricanes. Senator Kenneth Gittens convened a meeting on Wednesday with the Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, and Public Affairs to review preparedness plans. Daryl Jaschen, director of the V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA), emphasized the importance of proactive planning.

Reflecting on the 2017 hurricanes, Jaschen lamented past complacency among residents and urged serious preparation for the upcoming season. He highlighted the necessity of considering senior citizens, ensuring medication availability, and caring for pets. “We don’t want it, but we want to be prepared,” he stated.

A significant improvement in this year’s preparations is the prepositioning of FEMA-supplied shelf-stable water and meals, sufficient for ten days, within the territory. Unlike in 2017, when supplies were stored in Puerto Rico, these resources are now readily available. If necessary, food supplies will be distributed from various points of distribution (PODs) five days after a federal disaster declaration. Residents are advised to maintain a personal emergency stash for at least five days, as immediate distribution may not be possible.

VITEMA plans to operate two PODs per district, each capable of distributing up to 5,000 meals daily. These PODs will function until normal food supply chains are restored and ATMs are operational. Distribution sites will provide two meals and three liters of water per person per day.

The five-day lead time for distribution stems from the logistics of receiving and processing FEMA supplies. Jaschen warned residents not to expect immediate assistance post-storm, as it takes time to activate PODs. Road clearance is also a prerequisite for POD operations.

The exact locations for the PODs remain undecided, causing concern among legislators. Senator Gittens emphasized the need for pre-identified locations to facilitate easier access during emergencies. Jaschen responded that the final POD sites would be determined based on post-storm assessments.

The V.I. Department of Human Services (DHS) is also preparing for potential hurricane impacts. Community Affairs Coordinator Yvette Henry reported that DHS, with FEMA, the American Red Cross, and local partners, has inspected and identified several evacuation shelters. In St. Croix, the St. Croix Educational Complex and the David C. Canageta Recreational Complex are designated shelters. St. Thomas shelters include the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School’s gym and cafeteria and the Lockhart Elementary and Junior High School. St. John shelters are the Adrian Senior Center and the Gift Hill School. There is no listed shelter for Water Island for 2024.

DHS, along with the V.I. Department of Health, is ensuring shelters can meet the needs of vulnerable populations, including accommodations for service animals. DHS continues to identify additional shelters, with lawmakers urging the selection of easily accessible locations for all residents.

The V.I. Department of Public Works (DPW) is focused on stormwater management, tree pruning, sandbag distribution, route clearance, and infrastructure restoration. Assistant Labor Commissioner Rueben Jennings noted DPW’s readiness to assist in supply distribution if required. Lawmakers stressed the importance of drain maintenance to prevent flooding and debris blockage. DPW has begun assessing the stormwater drainage system and will continue these efforts throughout the hurricane season.

As the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season commences, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) is urging businesses in the U.S. Virgin Islands to submit their hurricane price lists by June 1. This measure aims to protect consumers from price gouging during emergencies and ensure essential supplies remain affordable and accessible.

DLCA Commissioner Nathalie Hodge underscored the significance of these submissions, which are required monthly until the season concludes on November 30. The regulation affects retailers, wholesalers, and providers of vital services such as food, water, medical products, and construction services. The initiative focuses on items critical for hurricane preparation and recovery.

Non-compliance with these regulations can result in fines up to $200 per item or service sold in violation of the law. Businesses can access a sample price list form on the DLCA website and submit their lists via email to [email protected].

This call for price list submissions follows a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecast predicting an 85% chance of above-normal hurricane activity this year. The Climate Prediction Center anticipates 17 to 25 named storms, with 8 to 13 likely to become hurricanes, including 4 to 7 major hurricanes.

The heightened hurricane activity is linked to near-record warm ocean temperatures, La Niña conditions, and reduced wind shear, all of which contribute to a favorable environment for storm development. Additionally, a robust West African monsoon may enhance the strength and sustainability of storms crossing the Atlantic.

NOAA is enhancing its forecasting and communication capabilities to better serve the public during hurricane threats. New technologies and updated operational strategies will be employed, including expanded Spanish language advisories, an experimental inland storm threat graphic, and advanced data collection tools like Saildrones.