U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS—Human Services Commissioner Designee Kimberley Causey-Gomez recently announced the final selection of primary evacuation shelters for the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season. “As the territory prepares for the possibility of storms or disasters during this time of year, we are mindful of the safety and welfare of residents. The Department of Human Services is responsible for shelters, and we commit to coordinating with the respective entities and resources to achieve this goal.”
The Department of Human Services coordinated with various agencies including VITEMA and the American Red Cross in assessing suitable facilities prior to its final selection. Primary evacuation shelters are for short-term use, and as such there will not be cots.
Primary evacuation shelter openings are incident specific. That means Virgin Islands officials will announce the specific locations of shelters and when they will open in advance of a hurricane. Not all shelters will be opened at the same time, so please monitor local radio, television and social media broadcasts for up-to-date information", Commissioner Designee Causey-Gomez said.
Primary evacuation shelters are for residents who do not have the opportunity to shelter in place, with family or friends or who need a safe place to ride out a storm or other emergency. They are for short-term sheltering and no cots or bedding will be in place for the first 72 hours. Before heading to a shelter, there are several things to consider. You’ll first want to ask if you really need to evacuate. If you live in an area susceptible to storm surge or flooding, or live in a manufactured home, you may be at greater danger if a storm is approaching. Residents who shelter in a Primary Evacuation Shelter should bring their own supplies, such as a chair or bedding, hygiene items, food, water, medicine, and important documents.
The Territory’s Evacuation/Primary Shelters are:
ST. CROIX
- Human Services’ Frederiksted Head Start Center in Mars Hill
- St. Croix Educational Complex
- D.C. Canegata Community Center
ST. THOMAS
- Human Services’ Knud Hansen – STRIVE Center
- Human Services’ Sugar Estate Head Start Center
- Lockhart Elementary School
- Ivanna Eudora Kean High School
ST. JOHN
- Calabash Boom Community Center
- Julius Sprauve School
WATER ISLAND
- Water Island Fire Station
Commissioner Designee Causey-Gomez reminds residents that safety and preparation are necessary and that they should purchase their storm supplies now.