Evacuation Shelter Pre-Registration Re-opens This Week As Hurricane Season Enters Peak

As the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season hits its peak, this week’s Government House press briefing on Monday focused on ensuring Virgin Islands had information on the best ways to get prepared for, and stay safe during, a storm or other natural disaster.

VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen, Department of Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion, and Department of Human Services Commissioner Kimberly Causey-Gomez all provided updates based on their area of expertise.

Ms. Causey-Gomez announced that pre-registration for evacuation shelters is open again this week. “This just helps us to be more prepared for who will be coming to the shelters," she said. People who do not feel safe at home during a disaster are encouraged to contact (340) 715-6935 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to register, or to do so online at www.vitema.vi.gov.

Health Commissioner Encarnacion noted that her department, during emergencies, opens a special needs medical shelter catering to those who have “physical or mental conditions that require medical or nursing oversight that cannot be accommodated or provided for in general population shelters.” According to Ms. Encarnacion, this includes people with chronic conditions that require assistance with daily living activities, and those who require professional assistance with readings, checks, and the dispensation of medication on a regular basis. Medical emergencies, said Encarnacion, should be directed to 911 or the hospitals.

The health commissioner encouraged residents to consult with their doctor and pharmacist when putting together emergency supply kits. “Don’t try to do it on your own, they might actually give you some ideas that you haven’t thought about,” she noted. Coolers and chemical ice packs should be kept on hand to store medicines that need refrigeration, such as insulin.