As National Preparedness Month kicks off this September, the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) along with Governor Bryan, as he mentioned in September’s proclamation, are urging residents to "Start a Conversation" with their families about disaster preparedness. This year's theme emphasizes the critical importance of communication in ensuring community resilience in responding to and recovering from potential emergencies and natural disasters.

"In the Virgin Islands, we're no strangers to the threats posed by hurricanes, floods, and other natural and man-made disasters," said Daryl Jaschen, Director of VITEMA. "National Preparedness Month serves as a timely reminder for all Virgin Islanders to take proactive steps in safeguarding their families, pets and properties."

Initiating a dialogue about preparedness will be the first step towards better readiness for you and your loved ones. You can gradually enhance your preparedness by following these simple guidelines:

• Choose a moment when everyone is at ease and stress-free for your discussion.

• Consider spreading the conversation across multiple sessions to avoid hurried decisions and to ensure that everyone feels comfortable discussing the topic.

• Share the preparedness measures you have already taken and encourage others to inquire about strategies that might suit their situations.

This approach allows you to build your preparedness steadily, making the process more manageable and less overwhelming. By fostering open communication, you can create a supportive environment where everyone feels involved in the family's safety planning.

To support this initiative, VITEMA will host a territory wide educational contest for children from K5-Highschool through September. Details including rules and prizes will be distributed directly through the schools and social media. This contest will provide hands-on experience with creating family emergency plans, building disaster kits, and staying informed during any crisis.

For more information on National Preparedness Month activities or to access resources for emergency planning, visit vitema.vi.gov or email contact@vitema.vi.gov.

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