As the Atlantic as grown more active in recent days, Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter is urging residents to prepare themselves for the potential impact of storms.
Two storms are currently gaining strength in the Atlantic Ocean, and at least one is expected to impact the Leeward islands sometime next week.
“Tropical Depression Gordon and Hurricane Florence are out in the Atlantic, and three additional storms are developing quickly. One is described as possibly taking the path of Hurricane Irma,” Mr. Potter said. “I caution residents to not take any disturbance lightly. Do not wait until a storm is approaching our area to begin preparing your homes and protecting your families. Utilize local and national media, as well as online sites to obtain up-to-date tracking information on storms. It is better to be over prepared, than not prepared at all.”
Relative to insurance, Mr. Potter, who also serves as commissioner of Insurance in his capacity as lieutenant governor, reminded residents that a homeowners insurance policy cannot be purchased once a storm has been declared. However, he added, homeowners are still strongly encouraged to buy property insurance for the remainder of the 2018 season.
“At the time you purchase your policy, please speak with your agent or insurance company to make sure you understand what will be covered and what will not be covered in your homeowners insurance policy,” Mr. Potter said. “You live in a hurricane-prone area, so you should not exclude windstorm coverage. If you purchase only dwelling coverage, you are responsible for your contents, loss of use and other structures. Policies vary from company to company, so be sure you read – and understand – yours. Avoid being force-placed: consider escrowing or premium financing your payments. You must buy a separate flood insurance policy and remember, flood insurance policies generally do not become effective until 30 days after they are purchased.”
Mr. Potter gave the following tips:
- Review your policy and know what your homeowners insurance policy covers.2. Store important documents, such as your homeowner’s insurance policy, in a safe and dry location.
3. Secure your property by putting up shutters and plywood before a storm approaches the territory.
4. Remove debris and other items from your yard, that could damage your or a neighbor’s property during a storm.
5. Avoid traveling in flooded areas.
6. Go to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor’s website at http://ltg.gov.vi, and download the Home Inventory Checklist. Complete the inventory of all your home contents.
7. Take photos of your dwelling and contents before and after a storm.
8. Make a list of all your damages immediately after a storm.
9. Stay tuned to your radio and television stations for weather updates.
Elsewhere, the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority will hold an emergency meeting on Monday with two items on the agenda: contract for a major disaster assessment and recovery services, and a contract for tree trimming services.
Meanwhile, the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) is distributing 2018 hurricane tracking maps throughout the territory, according to a release the agency issued Friday. VITEMA said the maps are an invaluable tool in tracking the course of tropical storms and hurricanes.
The maps are free and are available in the following locations while supplies last:
St. Thomas:
- West Bay Supermarket
- Pueblo – Subbase and Long Bay locations
- Turnbull Library
- Plaza Extra Supermarket
- Moe’s Supermarket – Red Hook and Waterfront locations
- Gottlieb Quick Way Service Center
St. Croix:
- Tide Village Gas Station
- Seaside Market & Deli
- One Love Gas Station – Princesse, Golden Rock and Frederiksted locations
- Plaza Extra Supermarket – East and West locations
- Stop & Shop
- Cost U Less
St. John:
- Starfish Market
- Connections East (Coral Bay)
- Connections West (Cruz Bay)
- St. John Hardware
- E-C Service Station
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