Since the start of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season, emergency managers in the Virgin Islands have been urging seniors and the disabled to plan ahead of any pending disaster. That message was reinforced Friday on St. Thomas at the first Disaster Preparedness and Virus Prevention Expo for Independent Living and Adults with Disabilities.
About 300 participants converged on the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center Friday to hear more tips about the range of emergencies they can expect and how to prepare a response. The Friday expo on St. Thomas brought service providers and nonprofits together in one space.
The St. Croix expo is scheduled to take place on Tuesday at the University of the Virgin Islands in the Great Hall. Representatives of the Water and Power Authority, Departments of Health and Human Services, the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands, VITEMA, and the Center for Independent Living were among the dozens of agencies equipped with information handouts and giveaways.
At the display for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Eric Adams, a public information officer for FEMA, displayed a chart of scannable information. Collectible topics with the click of a smartphone included Organizing and Preparing for Emergency Needs, Until Help Arrives, and the Ready Youth Toolkit in a Box.
Adams said that those who scanned the handouts could keep the information handy on their phones. Those who pick up paper handouts would likely take them home, lay them down on a table or a desk, and forget about them.
Insulated bags to keep small items and medications cold were among the handouts at the Disability Rights Center table.
Human Services Mass Care Manager Yvette Henry spoke to those participants seated in chairs at center court, quizzing them about the location of emergency shelters on St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix and Water Island.
“This week past, we had a survey to find out where and how folks would be sheltered,” Henry said. ”We had a few callers, most of whom were anxious — most of whom feel that they do not want to stay at home. So, they will be using the shelters that are on the list.”
Designated emergency shelters include Lockhart Elementary School and the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School on St. Thomas, the D.C. Canegata Ballpark and the Educational Complex on St. Croix, and the Adrian Senior Center on St. John.
There is also a special needs shelter at the Roy L. Schneider Hospital, Henry said.
VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen also addressed the audience. He made mention of the expo’s timing — a few weeks before the height of hurricane season. Virgin Islanders are veterans of hurricane disasters, he said.
But Jaschen reminded the elders and disabled attendees about other hazards to keep in mind, particularly earthquakes and tsunamis. Disasters like these give little notice before they strike, he said, which makes advance response planning even more important.
Twice a year, territorial managers hold mock exercises to aid in preparedness, the Great Shake Out for earthquakes and Caribe Wave for tsunamis. Jaschen also reminded residents about the tsunami siren tests taking place throughout the year.
“If you hear the sirens go off, don’t ignore them,” the director said. “It’s a challenge, I’d say, if you are a senior. I will give you as much warning as I can.”
“The best thing is to talk to each other — talk to your neighbors — and ask, Where would I go?”
