Program Moved Up One Week Due to Tropical Storm Erin Projections
ST. CROIX, USVI – The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) announces the successful completion of Operation Blue Skies 2025, the territory’s annual sandbag distribution program. The program concluded this past Saturday, September 6, 2025, with the final delivery to Water Island residents, bringing the total number of sandbags distributed to 8,638 across all three islands.
Operation Blue Skies 2025 was accelerated by one week from its original schedule due to projections of Tropical Storm Erin potentially impacting the territory. This proactive adjustment ensured all Virgin Islands residents had access to critical hurricane preparedness resources before the storm’s projected arrival.
VIFEMS Director Stevens stated “The Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services proudly supports our community, and the Blue Skies 2025 event is an important opportunity to help residents strengthen their hurricane preparedness plans. We are especially committed to supporting the most vulnerable within our community.”
The accelerated distribution program ran from August 14-16, 2025, at fire stations and Department of Public Works sites across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. Special accommodations were made for the Access & Functional Needs and Aging Community through a call-in delivery service from August 18-19, 2025.
ADA Coordinator Henley commented “Operation Blue Skies 2025 showed how quickly and effectively agencies and the community can mobilize to protect residents. Even with the operational acceleration prompted by Tropical Storm Erin, the Governor’s commitment to the Access & Functional Needs community never wavered; their delivery schedule remained prioritized, ensuring all qualified callers were served. This collaborative effort underscores this administration’s dedication to preparedness, equity, and resilience.”
DPW Commissioner Gabriel added “We are pleased with the community turnout for this year’s Blue Sky sandbag distribution on all three islands. We see this operation as a critical part of our disaster preparedness every year. We want to encourage our residents to store the sandbags in a cool, dry place to allow for re-use in subsequent years.”
Water Island residents received their sandbags this past Saturday at the Barge Dock location, completing the territory-wide distribution. Originally scheduled for the same date, the Water Island delivery proceeded as planned despite the earlier acceleration of the main distribution program.
Community Emergency Response Team member, Chris Cook, volunteered at the Operation Blue Skies and reflected “As a volunteer for the Territory’s Community Emergency Response Team, I was inspired by the swift and coordinated multi-agency response to the call-to-action of Operation Blue Skies. It was my first opportunity to assist in a preparedness situation, and I thought the short-notice sandbag distribution operation was a perfect example of VITEMA’s unwavering commitment to support the safety and preparedness of the community we live in.”
This represents the only sandbag distribution for the 2025 hurricane season.
VITEMA encourages all residents who obtained sandbags to store them properly for maximum effectiveness.
Proper Sandbag Storage Tip
Store sandbags in a dry, shaded area away from direct sunlight. UV rays can degrade the bag material over time, and moisture can cause premature deterioration. Stack bags on pallets or elevated surfaces to prevent ground moisture absorption.
VITEMA thanks all partner agencies including the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Services, the Department of Public Works, the Office of ADA Coordinator, the Department of Human Services, and community volunteers who made Operation Blue Skies 2025 a success.
For more information about hurricane preparedness and emergency management resources, visit VITEMA.VI.GOV.
VITEMA is the sole Virgin Islands government agency designated to supervise, administer, and coordinate all-hazards response and recovery operations. By building and sustaining effective partnerships with federal, state, and local government agencies, and with the private sector – individuals, families, non-profits, and businesses – VITEMA ensures the Territory’s ability to rapidly recover from large and small disasters by assessing and mitigating hazards, enhancing preparedness, ensuring effective response, and building the capacity to recover.
