The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) is hosting four hurricane awareness courses for anyone interested in learning about hazards associated with hurricanes and how to prepare.
The four-hour course on “Hurricane Awareness” will provide participants with a basic understanding of the latest knowledge in hurricane science, forecasting, warning and preparedness. It is also designed to enhance the ability of decision-makers to identify hazards, and to better prepare for and mitigate the impacts of high winds, heavy rain and storm surge, according to a press release issued on Monday by VITEMA.
The Hurricane Awareness courses will be held:
St. Croix on Aug. 1 and Aug. 2 – two training sessions each day:
Morning session is 8 a.m. to noon; afternoon session is 1-5 p.m.
At the V.I. Department of Education Curriculum Center, Kingshill
St. Thomas on Aug. 4 and Aug. 5 – two training sessions each day:
Morning session is 8 a.m. to noon; afternoon session is 1-5 p.m.
At the V.I. Department of Human Services, Sugar Estate Multi-Purpose Building, First Street, St. Thomas
To participate, register at https://ndptc.hawaii.edu/training.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
§ Describe the structure and characteristics of hurricanes and tropical cyclones and their hazards, including high winds, heavy rain and storm surge;
§ Explain the forecast process and uncertainty associated with predicting hurricane track and intensity;
§ Interpret official forecast and warning products from the National Weather Service; and
§ Use available decision support tools to prepare themselves, their families and their organizations when hurricanes threaten.
The National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC) at the University of Hawaii is providing the instructors for this course. The National Domestic Preparedness Consortium is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security-FEMA training partner dedicated to providing critical all-hazards training throughout the United States and its territories, with an emphasis on natural hazards and island and coastal communities.
For more information, contact Irvin Mason, VITEMA training coordinator, by e-mail: irvin.mason@vitema.vi.gov or by phone: 774-2244, ext. 6823.
