FEMA Encouraging Residents To Prepare For 2018 Hurricane Season

In a release issued Thursday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency encouraged U.S. Virgin Islands residents to prepare for the 2018 hurricane season, which begins on June 1.

FEMA reminded that before Hurricanes Irma and Maria last September, there was Tropical Storm Otto in 2010, Tropical Storm Jeanne in 2004, Hurricane Lenny in 1999, Hurricane Georges in 1998, Hurricane Bertha in 1996, Hurricane Marilyn in 1995 and Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

As Virgin Islanders continue recovering from Irma and Maria, the next Atlantic hurricane season is less than three months away. The season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak occurring between mid-August and late October. Officials from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urge residents and communities to begin preparing now. 

“There are a number of actions we recommend to be well prepared for the next hurricane,” said VITEMA Director Mona Barnes. “We urge you to be informed and plan ahead.”

On the VI-Alert site, users can sign up to receive emergency alerts on their cell phones. The VITEMA Facebook page and Inform USVI.com are resources for the latest news about hurricanes and preparedness.

Loss of electricity, lack of drinking water, impassable roads, impaired phone service and a severely damaged home are effects to anticipate from a powerful hurricane. Preparations should include stores of food and water, medications, family documents and a number of other items. There is comprehensive information about preparations on the Ready.gov website.

You may also need to be ready to evacuate, which means having a “go kit” packed and ready, knowing your hurricane evacuation route and having a plan for where you will stay.

“Starting now to be prepared for the next hurricane season gives you time to get ready over the next couple of months,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer William Vogel. “Depending on the severity of the storm, it may be days before help can reach you. Everybody should be ready with a plan.”