Curfew Announced For 12 Noon To Daybreak Thursday As Dorian Readies To Impact USVI; Shelters To Open 9:00 a.m.; Sandbags Being Issued

Authorities have imposed a curfew on the territory beginning at 12 noon today and extending until daybreak on Thursday, Gov. Albert Bryan announced during a VITEMA update this morning. The announcement comes as Tropical Storm Dorian is expected to impact the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands with hurricane-force winds.

The curfew applies territory-wide.

“It will last until daybreak tomorrow unless we have an (earlier) advisory opening up the roads,” Mr. Bryan said. 

Under curfew conditions, motorists on the road without a government-issued curfew pass risk arrest. 

As heavy rains and winds from Tropical Storm Dorian begin to impact the islands, evacuation shelters are opening at:

• Mars Hill Head Start in Frederiksted
• The Knud Hansen Complex, Hospital Ground in St. Thomas
• Julius Spruave School on St John. 
• UVI Great Hall on St. Croix

The shelters are expected to open at 9:00 a.m. today.

The Department of Human Services is advising residents to bring items to the evacuation shelter that could keep them comfortable for a short-term stay. Below are a few things residents should pack in their go-bags for the evacuation shelter:

• Chairs
• Snacks, nonperishable canned or packaged food.
• Medications, nebulizers, eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, dentures, any medical equipment
• Two extra changes of clothes and footwear
• Pillows/cots/blankets/sleeping bags
• Toiletries – sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary items.
• Important papers – ID, proof of residency and insurance papers.
• Cash in case your debit or credit card is not working.
• Entertaining items – books, magazines, puzzles, games, toys for children
• Baby food and diapers if you have young children
• Miscellaneous items such as a battery-powered radio, earbuds, flashlight, and cellphone charger.

Sandbags

The Virgin Islands Department of Public Works said in a release issued at 8:50 a.m. that it has been issuing sandbags to the community from 8 a.m. Sandbags will be issued until 11 a.m. today, which the department said will allow residents an opportunity to safely prepare homes ahead of Tropical Storm Dorian and the territory-wide curfew established by Mr. Bryan.

Distribution locations are:

St. Croix

• Department of Public Works, Annas Hope
• Department of Public Works, Mars Hill
• Grove Place Fire Station
• Cotton Valley Fire Station

St. Thomas

• Department of Public Works, Subbase

St. John

• Department of Public Works, Susannaberg

Residents are limited to up to ten bags per household, the department said. This will allow all residents requiring sandbags to be serviced. Pre-filled sandbags are available for elderly and people with disabilities, access and functional needs.