Virgin Islands Territory Emergency Management Agency Launches Public Education Campaign to Help Residents Prepare for Hurricane Season

ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - The Virgin Islands Territory Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) today announced the start of Hurricane Preparedness Week, running from May 5-13, 2025. This annual public education campaign aims to ensure all Virgin Islands residents are informed, prepared, and ready to act before, during, and after hurricane events.

VITEMA Director Jaschen states, "You don't need to go back to our 2017 Hurricanes to understand the importance of preparedness. Just last August, with Tropical Storm Ernesto, it took over a week to restore power as well as clear all the fallen vegetation throughout the Territory. Power and communications outages impact both individuals and businesses alike. Don't get caught unprepared. Begin your Hurricane Preparedness Plan today! If you already have a plan, be sure to share and discuss it with family, friends, neighbors, so everyone can remain safe throughout our entire Hurricane Season."

The week features a different preparedness theme each day:

• Monday, May 5: Know Your Risk - Wind & Water
  Residents will learn about the dangers of fast-moving water, with reminders that just six inches of moving water can knock down an adult. The day focuses on understanding flood risks in low-lying areas and protecting home structures and important documents.

• Tuesday, May 6: Prepare Before Hurricane Season
  This day emphasizes the USVI's shelter-in-place approach and helps residents develop household emergency plans that account for all family members, including children, elderly, and pets. Residents are encouraged to review insurance policies and create family emergency communication plans.

• Wednesday, May 7: Understand Forecast Information
  VITEMA will educate the public on the difference between hurricane watches (possible conditions within 48 hours) and warnings ( expected conditions within 36 hours) and direct residents to trusted information sources.

• Thursday, May 8: Get Moving When a Storm Threatens
  Residents will receive guidance on gathering essential supplies including medications, cash, fuel, and battery banks, as well as preparing their property by securing loose items and trimming vegetation.

• Friday, May 9: Stay Protected During Storms
  This day focuses on preparing for extended power outages, following forecasts and alerts, and ensuring communication devices remain charged.

• Monday, May 12: Use Caution After Storms
  VITEMA will highlight post-storm hazards including downed power lines and heat exposure, while emphasizing the importance of staying off roads during assessments and checking on neighbors when safe.

• Tuesday, May 13: Take Action Today
  The week concludes by encouraging residents to begin preparations immediately, including securing adequate water supplies for all household needs.

Throughout the week, VITEMA will host community events and share educational materials across social media platforms and local media outlets. Residents can access additional resources on the VITEMA website at vitema.vi.gov.