While VITEMA and the Virgin Islands Government remains actively engaged in ensuring the territory’s preparedness for hurricanes and other disasters, our success and resilience depends on what YOU do to prepare as well. Here are ten (10) easy things you can do to prepare for hurricanes today:
- Stay informed using credible sources of information. You can receive real-time updates on emergencies impacting the U.S. Virgin Islands by registering for Alert VI on this page.
- Gather needed supplies for at least 10 days. Include items such as water, nonperishable food, batteries, flashlights and clothing. Don’t forget your specific needs like meds, powered devices, children, elderly, members with access and functional needs, pets etc. Begin saving small amounts of money for use in the event of a hurricane or disaster.
- Check your insurance coverage to make sure you have enough coverage. Learn more about flood insurance by visiting: www.floodsmart.gov
- Protect and strengthen your home. Make sure your home is in good repair and meets local hurricane building codes. Declutter drains and gutters, trim trees, secure loose outdoor items & secure doors. Know a safe location to move your car during a hurricane.
- Get to know your neighbors before an emergency strikes and make sure they have a plan before and after a hurricane.
- Take photos of your home, property and important documents and store them in a secure place.
- Make an emergency plan. Ensure your plan includes children, elderly, those with access and functional needs and pets.
- Charge your cell phone and other battery-operated devices now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.
- Perform regular maintenance and services on generators. Familiarizing yourself with how a generator operates is crucial before a storm hits. 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.
- Keep your car in good working condition and keep the gas tank full. Keep a gallon of gas handy in the event you run out of gas during an emergency. Store any additional fuel away from your home in well-ventilated areas in approved storage containers.