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The 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season is nearly upon us and the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) is working to heighten awareness about being prepared for the hazards that may impact the Territory. On June 2-3, VITEMA will sponsor an All Hazards Preparedness Expo on the islands of St. Croix and St. Thomas respectively.
“The theme of this year’s expo is “Empowering the Community,” which reflects both the public and private sector’s collective mission of arming our community with information necessary to properly prepare for and respond to disasters, whether natural or manmade, early warning or no-notice,” said VITEMA Director Elton Lewis. “VITEMA is working to ensure that when disaster strikes, together we are prepared for it and resilient enough to survive it.”
A number of local and Federal government agencies along with voluntary organizations and private sector vendors are slated to participate in the annual event. Among the participants are the Department of Human Services which has oversight of shelters, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor’s Banking and Insurance Division, the VI Water and Power Authority, the VI Police Department, the American Red Cross, Search and Rescue, the VI National Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Home Depot.
On both days, VITEMA itself will provide information on the Territory’s Tsunami Warning Siren Installation project, disseminate brochures on its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, and be available to assist individuals with registering for VI Alert, the VI’s mass alert and notification system.
The All Hazards Preparedness Expo will be held June 2, at the Sunny Isles Shopping Center’s Amphitheater on St. Croix, and on June 3, at the Tutu Park Mall on St. Thomas. Both events will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. and will begin in prayer followed by remarks from key local and Federal government officials, including Lynn Canton, FEMA Region II Administrator, and Rafael Mojica, National Weather Service senior meteorologist. The main event will feature display tables stocked with information and representatives to answer any questions.
VITEMA is also reminding the community that this week, May 22-28, is National Hurricane Preparedness Week and the agency is encouraging the community at large – families, businesses, churches and community groups – to make preparedness one of their top priorities.
“Hurricanes bring high winds and heavy rains that can do extensive damage but taking a few simple steps such as making a family disaster plan, putting together an emergency supply kit and staying informed about hazards that may impact your area, makes a difference,” Lewis said. “Everyone should take a moment to evaluate their preparedness measures and make sure that what they need in the event of a disaster is at their fingertips.”
For more information on preparedness visit
www.VITEMA.gov or call our offices at 340-773-2244 on St. Croix, 340-774-2244 on St. Thomas or 340-776-6444 on St. John.
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