U.S. Virgin Islands – The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) is actively monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm (TS) Dorian, which is anticipated to pass south of the Territory on Wednesday or Thursday according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Moving westward at 14 mph, environmental conditions appear conducive for further development of TS Dorian to a hurricane as it passes south of the territory this week. It is too soon to determine the specific timing or magnitude of impacts to the U.S. Virgin Islands. VITEMA urges residents to remain vigilant, and to complete preparedness measures to include:

• Restock your emergency supplies. Include a minimum of ten (10) day supply of nonperishable food and water for consumption and hygiene purposes, medications, a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies. Consider the needs of elderly members and pets.
• Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.
• Protect your property. Trim trees and secure objects that can become projectiles. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves in plumbing to prevent backups. Consider hurricane shutters. Review insurance policies.
• To ensure your generator works when you need it most, be sure to perform regular maintenance and services. Never operate your generator indoors. Always store gasoline outside of the home at a safe distance away from the generator in a well-ventilated area.

“The team at VITEMA remains on alert and stands ready to coordinate the possible response to TS Dorian,” said VITEMA Director, Daryl D. Jaschen. “As a direct result of ongoing preparedness initiatives including monthly Emergency Management Council (EMC) and Emergency Support Coordinators (ESC) meetings, collaboration with our partners at FEMA, multi-agency tabletop drills that included the Virgin Islands National Guard and other community stakeholders, and successful territory-wide Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) trainings hosted, we are in the best possible position to respond to TS Dorian. VITEMA has alerted the Virgin Islands Government Administration, including Directors and Commissioners. We will continue to host regular meetings with Directors and Commissioners, who will provide updates on the status and readiness of their respective teams.”