The Department of Human Services announced Thursday the completion of its inspection of the territory’s emergency shelters.
The primary evacuation shelters throughout the territory have been re-inspected by a multi-disciplinary team who are committed to ensuring the safety of Virgin Islands residents, D.H.S. said.
“Primary evacuation shelter openings are incident-specific, and Virgin Islands officials will announce the specific locations of shelters and when they will open in advance of a hurricane,” said D.H.S. Commissioner Nominee Kimberley Causey-Gomez. “Not all shelters will be opened at the same time, so please monitor local radio, television, and social media broadcasts for up-to-date information.”
D.H.S. said primary evacuation shelters are for residents who do not have the opportunity to shelter in place or with family or friends, and who need a safe place to ride out a storm or other emergency. They are for short-term sheltering and no cots or bedding will be in place for the first 72 hours.
According to D.H.S., before heading to a shelter, there are several things residents should consider. First, determine whether you really need to evacuate. Residents who live in an area susceptible to storm surge or flooding, or live in a manufactured home, may be at greater danger if a storm is approaching.
Residents who shelter in an primary evacuation shelter should bring their own supplies, such as a chair or bedding, hygiene items, food, water, medicine and important documents.
The territory’s primary evacuation shelters are as follows:
ST. CROIX
- Human Services’ Frederiksted Head Start Center in Mars Hill
- St. Croix Educational Complex
- D.C. Canegata Community Center
ST. THOMAS
- Human Services’ Knud Hansen – STRIVE Center
- Human Services’ Sugar Estate Head Start Center
- Lockhart Elementary School
- Ivanna Eudora Kean High School
ST. JOHN
- Calabash Boom Community Center
- Julius Sprauve School
WATER ISLAND
- Water Island Fire Station
Commissioner Nominee Causey-Gomez reminds residents that safety and preparation are necessary and that they should purchase their storm supplies now.
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