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Hurricane Disaster Recovery - Important Dates to Keep Track of
Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017:
Eligible survivors across the territory may apply for food aid under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). D-SNAP provides food assistance to low-income households with food loss or damage caused by a natural disaster. The program is being managed by the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services.
The D-SNAP application sites have been consolidated: • St. Croix - DHS Mars Hill offices in Frederiksted
• St. Thomas - Tutu Park Mall
• St. John - DHS Multipurpose Center.
The times of site operations will remain from 7am until 6pm, then on Saturday, November 18th where the sites will operate 8am until 1pm.” While the D-SNAP sites have been consolidated, the department encourages residents to continue to come to apply for benefits prior to the last day of operation.
Thursday, November 23, 2017:
- Deadline to apply for temporary roof repairs through Operation Blue Roof. Homes with a temporary roof repair under Operation Blue Roof are not excluded from power restoration by the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA), although the home must first be inspected and certified by a licensed electrician in order for the work to proceed.
Monday, December 18, 2017:
Deadline to register with FEMA for assistance, as FEMA has granted the territorial government’s request to extend the deadlines and make them the same for both disasters.Friday, December 29th
1. The deadline for government entities and certain private nonprofit organizations to submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) with VITEMA. Potential applicants can download the RPA form at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/10145 and submit it to the following territorial government contacts:
o St. Croix:
Malinda K. Vigilant-Messer Deputy Public Assistance Officer Office: 340-773-2244 [email protected]
o St. Thomas/St. John:
Renata Christian-West Territorial Public Assistance Officer Office: 340-774-2244 [email protected]
2. The deadline to register for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). Survivors who lost jobs as a result of Hurricane Irma or Hurricane Maria can report to the USVI Department of Labor for assistance with applying at the following locations:
o St. Croix: USVI Department of Labor 4401 Sion Farm, Christiansted Monday through Friday
o St. John: USVI Legislature, St. John Annex 1D Cruz Bay Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
o St. Thomas: USVI Department of Labor 2353 Kronprindsens Gade Monday through Friday.
Wednesday, January 31st
The end of the enrollment period for the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is making the EPAP available for uninsured survivors to ensure they have access to medicines and medical equipment. The free program provides a 30-day supply of covered drugs and medical supplies that can be renewed every 30 days for as long as the program is active. People who live in the disaster area and do not have any form of prescription insurance should call the EPAP enrollment toll-free hotline at 1-855-793-7470.
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St. Croix DOH to Distribute Insulin @ Charles Harwood Complex. Free Tetanus and Flu Shots also Available
(October 24, 2017, U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)) Get your FREE Insulin, Flu Shot and Tetanus Vaccination tomorrow at the Department of Health’s (DOH) Charles Harwood Complex.
On tomorrow, Wednesday, October 25, 2017 (10am-3pm), the DOH will be distributing insulin to the uninsured and under-insured at the Charles Harwood Complex, located on St. Croix.
Patients are asked to bring their medicine bottle or prescription and a picture form of identification. The types of insulin that will be offered include: Basaglar, Humalog Mix 75/25, Lantus, Levemir, Novolog, Toujeo, Tresiba, Trulicit, Alfrezza, Humalog 50/50, Novolin N, Novolin R, Novolog, Humulin N, Humulin R, Humulin 70/30 and Humalog
Additionally, Flu season is here again; FREE Flu and Tetanus shots will also be offered tomorrow (same location), Wednesday, October 25th, to everyone age 3 and over. Parental consent is required for anyone under the age of 18. Flu shots are important for you and anyone around you. Seasonal flu vaccines are designed to protect against infection and illness caused by the three or four influenza viruses.
Also, get a tetanus booster shot after certain injuries. Usually, the bacterial toxins enter the body through a break in the skin caused by an object contaminated with tetanus. For example wounds, skin burns, crush injuries etc. Individuals 11 years old and up can receive the vaccination. Parental consent is required for anyone under the age of 18.
For more information call 340-690-4633; www.facebook.com/virginislandsdoh ##
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Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Advisory
St. Croix Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Release:
Thursday, October 12, 2017 – 5:30 p.m.
Residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands are warned against the negative effects of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning. Residents are strongly warned against the practice of using generators indoors or in enclosed or partially enclosed porches, and garages.
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), CO is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas which interferes with the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. CO is non-irritating and can overcome persons without warning. Many people die from CO poisoning, usually while using gasoline powered tools and generators in buildings or semi-enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation. Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Severe carbon monoxide poisoning causes neurological damage, illness, coma and death.
Symptoms of CO exposure
Headaches, dizziness and drowsiness.
Nausea, vomiting, tightness across the chest.
Some Sources of Exposure
Portable generators/generators in buildings.
Concrete cutting saws, compressors.
Power trowels, floor buffers, space heaters.
Welding, gasoline powered pumps.
Preventing CO Exposure
Opening windows and doors in an enclosed space may prevent CO buildup.
Make sure the generator has 3-4 feet of clear space on all sides and above it to ensure adequate ventilation.
Do not use a generator outdoors if placed near doors, windows or vents which could allow CO to enter and build up in occupied spaces.
When using space heaters and stoves ensure that they are in good working order to reduce CO buildup, and never use in enclosed spaces or indoors.
Consider using tools powered by electricity or compressed air, if available.
If you experience symptoms of CO poisoning get to fresh air right away and seek immediate medical attention.
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Virgin Islands residents with roof damage are encouraged to register for the Operation Blue Roof program to determine eligibility.
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FEMA Public Assistance Funds Available to Eligible Government Departments, Semi-Autonomous Agencies, and Certain Private Non-Profit Organizations
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Department of Planning and Natural Resources Storm Water Beach Advisory, dated September 29, 2017 remains in effect.
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Virgin Islands Department of Labor Press Release - October 6, 2017
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News Release Proper Cleanup Following Hurricanes Can Reduce Mold and Minimize Health Risks
October 3, 2017
DR-4335-VI DR-4340 NR 008
FEMA NEWS DESK: 540-247-7974
ST. CROIX, Virgin Islands – U.S. Virgin Islanders could encounter dangerous mold while cleaning up their homes after hurricanes Irma and Maria. Survivors can successfully remove mold and protect themselves and their families by taking a few basic precautions.
You should assume you have mold growth if your home was flooded during one or both of the storms and you were unable to dry it out within 48 hours, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other disaster response officials. The same goes for furniture and other household items that may have been soaked by floodwaters or heavy rain. Stagnant water and wet materials are ideal breeding grounds for mold.
In such cases, you should completely dry everything, clean up the mold, and make certain the moisture problem is eradicated.
People with breathing problems, like asthma, or who have weakened immune systems should stay away from moldy sites. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
The basic rule is, if you can see or smell mold, take steps to eliminate the excess moisture. Proceed with cleanup using the following tips:
1. Put on personal protective equipment: an N-95 respirator at a minimum, boots, goggles and rubber gloves.
2. Remove standing water and wet materials. Use a wet vacuum to remove water from floors, carpets, and hard surfaces. Dry your home and everything in it as quickly as you can.
3. Open all doors and windows when you are working and leave as many open as is safe when you leave.
· Open inside doors, especially closets and interior rooms, to let air flow to all areas. Take doors off their hinges if you need to.
· Open kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanity doors; remove drawers, wipe them clean, and stack them to dry.
· Open the attic access to let air flow to the attic. Before you open the attic door, make sure nothing will fall on you.
4. When electricity is safe to use, use fans and dehumidifiers to remove moisture. Do not use fans if mold has already started to grow, because the fans may spread the mold.
5. Clean with water and a detergent. Remove all mold you can see. Dry right away.
6. If you use cleaning products, do not mix cleaning products together. DO NOT mix bleach and ammonia because it can create toxic vapors. If using bleach use no more than 1 cup of household bleach per gallon of water.
7. Painting or caulking over mold will not prevent mold from growing. Fix the water problem completely and clean up all the mold before you paint or caulk.
8. Throw away items that can’t be cleaned and dried. Throw away anything that was wet with flood water and can’t be cleaned and dried completely within 24 to 48 hours. If you have precious items that you want to preserve, follow these guidelines from the Smithsonian Institute: www.si.edu/mci/english/learn_more/taking_care/mnm.html .
Ensure mold cleanup is complete before reoccupying your home. For more information on mold and cleanup, see FEMA’s printable brochure How to Prevent Mold after a Flood at www.fema.gov/library/prepandprev.shtm and the Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters at: http://wcms-wp.cdc.gov/mold/pdfs/Homeowners_and_Renters_Guide.pdf.
The CDC website includes information regarding mold health hazards as well as prevention, clean up and remediation guidance:https://www.cdc.gov/mold/cleanup.htm.
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FEMA - Beware of Fraud
• Hurricane Maria disaster survivors, and their friends and family, should be alert for false rumors, scams, identity theft, and fraud.
• There is no fee required to apply for, or to receive disaster assistance form FEMA. There is also no fee to schedule or obtain a housing inspection from FEMA.
• FEMA does not endorse any commercial businesses, products or services.
• FEMA does not charge for its services.
• If you suspect fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.
• All federal employees have an official badge/ID. Ask to see it.
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Virgin Islands Water And Power Authority
HURRICANE RESTORATION UPDATE
ELECTRIC SYSTEM
· Emergency call centers will be activated in both island districts on Monday. The call centers will be the primary means by which residents can report service interruptions as reconstruction and restoration takes shape. The Emergency Call Center number on St. Croix is 340-773-0150 and on St. Thomas - St. John, the number is 340-774-1424. The centers will operate daily from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
· Members of the first off island restoration crew arrived on St. Thomas Saturday and began work on Sunday. The crew is from the Western Area Power Administration. Additional crews are expected over the next several weeks. Reconstruction and restoration work since Hurricane Irma on September 6 has been carried out by WAPA personnel and on-island contractors namely, Fortress Electric on St. Croix and Bryan’s Electric on St. Thomas.
· Assessments will be made over the next several days to determine the extent of damage to WAPA’s distribution systems. Restoration plans for both districts will be developed and made public once the damage assessment process is completed. The restoration schedule cannot be developed until the conclusion of the assessment phase.
· While damage assessment teams are deployed next week, reconstruction and restoration crews will continue work in specific areas in both island districts:
o On St. Thomas, work will be focused on the “A” feeders which run from mid-town to the west end. Over the next few weeks, crews will work on the paths of Feeders 6A to the west end, 7A to Estate Altona, 8A and 9A into Savan, all extending outwards from the Randolph Harley power plant.
o On St. Croix, crews will continue to work on re-energizing more areas in downtown Christiansted and in the town of Frederiksted.
· WAPA will be receiving additional inventory including about 1,300 poles in the coming week. This will augment the on island supply of electrical poles, cable and other equipment that the Authority has utilized to date in the restoration effort following Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
· WAPA continues to work jointly with Viya, the V.I. Waste Management Authority and the Department of Public Works on a clean-up initiative. This strategy is aimed at clearing the roadways of fallen cables, poles and other hardware and allowing both utilities to scrap the damaged equipment while the VIWMA gains access to public dump sites for regular waste hauling.
POTABLE WATER SYSTEM
· Both the Contentment & Richmond pump stations are on line on St. Croix. Potable water service is being provided to some locations while the Kingshill tank is gaining additional storage.
· Water service is available throughout Cruz Bay.
· Potable water service has been restored to all east end communities. Service has also been restored to the town district including Estate Bakkeroe. Crews continue to work to restore service to Government Hill, Estate Thomas, Savan, Bergs Home, and Contant Knolls housing community.
GENERAL INFORMATION
· For those with internet access, daily restoration updates are available both on the WAPA website: www.viwapa.vi and on Facebook, Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority. Together, we will recover and rebuild. WAPA…Working for You!
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MORE PATIENTS EVACUATED TO U.S. MAINLANDAS HURRICANE RECOVERY EFFORTS CONTINUE
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Thirty-two patients needing medical attention were evacuated from Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center on St. Croix this weekend. Speaking with members of the media on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Health Dr. Michelle Davis reported that 20 patients were flown to Atlanta on Saturday, while 12 patients were sent to Shreveport, Louisiana, on Sunday, as the government responds to the urgent health-care needs of residents in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which impacted the Territory’s medical services. Forty dialysis patients, she added, are now being prepared to leave the Territory. Governor Kenneth E. Mapp announced he will meet with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), William B. “Brock” Long, in the Territory on Monday to discuss additional logistics of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ recovery and reconstruction, including plans for a community disaster loan from the federal government. To support the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority’s (WAPA) ongoing recovery efforts, the Governor also announced 125 linemen from the mainland United States are expected to arrive in the Territory by the end of this week. The 24-hour curfew on St. Croix will be suspended again from noon to 4 p.m. on Monday, September 25. During the suspension, FirstBank and Banco Popular in Orange Grove will be open for business from noon to approximately 3 p.m. The 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. curfew for the St. Thomas/St. John district remains in effect. The Governor confirmed the second Hurricane Maria-related fatality, extending his condolences to the family of a man who was killed when a mudslide damaged his home. This brings the total number of reported fatalities in the Territory attributed to the hurricanes to seven. Commissioner Davis offered health and safety tips as residents continue to clean up their homes, recommending the use of protective items like hard hats, goggles, heavy work gloves, steel-toed boots and ear plugs, as well as fire extinguishers. She also reminded them that anything that has come into contact with flood water could be carrying germs. For cleaning anything with mold, she advised a ratio of one cup household bleach to one gallon water, while for washing children’s toys, she advised a ratio of one cup household bleach to five gallons water, followed by air drying the toys. The Commissioner reminded residents to wear protective gloves and a mask and to keep windows and doors open when using bleach. Regarding mosquito protection, she asked residents to continue to follow the “Dress, Drain and Defend” message announced by the Department of Health, which advises residents to dress in lightweight long-sleeved clothing, drain standing water, and use insect repellent as a defense against mosquitoes. Governor Mapp commended the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) for keeping the community safe, and implored the public to follow the law or face the consequences: “You have to decide what part you want to play in this community.” He confirmed the 911 line is functioning, and reminded the public to report any crimes so the VIPD can respond. The Territory’s leader commended the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands on their resilience in getting through the process of recovery each day and thanked them for their patience. “God bless each and every one of you,” he encouraged. Residents can register for disaster assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 or visiting www.disasterassistance.gov . The official website to donate to the U.S. Virgin Islands recovery effort is usvirecovery.org . Other resources for information include: Government House: informusvi.com VITEMA: vialert.govVITEMA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vitema Government House Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GovernmentHouseUSVI/ The Department of Tourism: www.usviupdate.com Emergency Operation Centers: (340) 773-2244 (St. Croix) (340) 776-2244 (St. John) (340) 774-2244 (St. Thomas)
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First Blue Roof Being Installed in the Virgin Islands
ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands – The first residential temporary roof made of blue plastic sheeting was installed today on the island of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The program, available to qualified homeowners and known as Operation Blue Roof, can make some damaged structures habitable again until more permanent repairs can be made.
Operation Blue Roof is carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Virgin Islands government to provide homeowners affected by Hurricane Irma with fiber-reinforced blue plastic sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until permanent repairs can be made.
“Operation Blue Roof allows short-term relief, and makes it possible for residents to stay in their homes while exploring permanent roof replacement options, said Brig. Gen. Diana Holland, the commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division.
Operation Blue Roof should protect property for a minimum of 30 days, reduce temporary housing costs, and allow for residents to remain in or return to their homes while recovering from the storm. This is a free service to homeowners. The program is for primary residences, or occupied rental properties that can be repaired with plywood, plastic sheeting, and in some cases a minor amount of rafter replacement or repair. Vacation rental properties and commercial properties are not eligible for the program. Not all roof types qualify for the program.
Eligibility Requirements:
1. The structure is the primary residence of the individual or household requesting emergency roof covering; AND
2. The residence has sufficient roof framing intact (more than 50 percent) to support the plastic sheeting as a temporary repair, and will otherwise be capable of providing safe shelter once the plastic sheeting is installed; AND
3. The resident certifies that he or she is the owner of the residence requested to be covered. For renters, the property owner must request the roof be covered and the renter will reside there once covered; AND
4. The resident certifies that he or she will shelter in the residence requested to be covered; AND
5. The roof to be repaired is composed of standard roof shingles, corrugated metal or a similar material which lends itself towards temporary repair with plastic sheeting or similar method. Roofs composed of materials such as slate, asbestos or clay tile, or other material or damaged metal framing which would be exceptionally difficult to repair, or likely to be damaged, shall not be roofed. Mobile Homes will be assessed on a case by case basis and will be covered if practicable.
Right of Entry
Everyone requesting temporary roofing assistance needs to sign a Right of Entry (ROE). Corps of Engineers’ teams began house-to-house ROE collection Friday on St. Thomas in the Anna’s Retreat neighborhood.
“We will continue ROE collection Saturday, and are bringing more personnel in to expand operations,” said St. Thomas Blue Roof Mission Manager Jay Lang. “It will take several days for personnel to arrive due to limited air support capabilities on the island right now; nevertheless our contractors are starting to install temporary roofs on houses.”
As USACE begins implementing this important program and more of their temporary roofing teams arrive to the Virgins Islands, residents are encouraged to listen to their local government officials and radio stations for information on where these ROE centers will be located.
Be aware of SCAMS. This is a free service, if asked to pay it is not Operation Blue Roof.
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US Virgin Islands Governor Calls For Prayers, Unity As Hurricane Recovery Efforts March On
U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Kenneth E. Mapp invited residents to enter the doors of the church to offer praise and thanksgiving Sunday as he updated reporters on hurricane recovery efforts here on Saturday. Governor Mapp welcomed church leaders to hold services on Sunday during the suspension of the 24-hour curfew between noon and 4 p.m. on St. Croix, so residents can ask for continued strength to recover from the two devastating storms that impacted the Territory. The curfew in the St. Thomas/St. John district from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. also gives churches the opportunity to hold services during the day. “I need that time to go back and talk to God, and tell Him thanks for all His blessings and what He’s done - and it’s important for our community to do that - ‘cause He’s really seen us through the challenge,” said Adjutant General Deborah Howell in response to the Governor’s call for prayer. “The work is not ending, but we’re digging down deep. Our community needs us, we’re gonna do what it is we have to do,” she said. Governor Mapp, who along with Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter met with senators earlier in the day Saturday on St. Thomas, said he is happy to accept their support in the Territory’s recovery efforts. “We’re all one government and one community … I can’t do this alone and (welcome) any help that we can get to benefit the people of the Territory. (Members of the Legislature and their staff) will be fully included more robustly in this effort so that they can reach additional people in the Territory who need help,” said Governor Mapp, who held a similar meeting with senators on St. Croix before Hurricane Maria impacted the area. Governor Mapp, who signed an agreement with the state of Tennessee to provide support via its National Guard, thanked everyone engaged in the recovery effort, including marshals and volunteers, for their contributions thus far, and commended officials for their work on the distribution of supplies. More than 8,000 people were served at the points of distribution Saturday. Distribution centers will not be open on Sunday, September 24. Director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) Mona Barnes reported supply needs across all four islands were being met and thanked her colleagues for putting in “long nights” and “early mornings”. She also thanked the people of the Virgin Islands for obeying the curfew, making it easier for recovery efforts to continue. Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School shelter in St. Thomas is now closed; more than 600 residents are being accommodated at remaining shelters in the Territory. In response to the public’s concerns about mosquito control, Commissioner of Health Dr. Michelle Davis spoke of the Department of Health’s vector control team activities and provided information about mosquito protection. She advised families they may use insect repellants containing DEET, picaridin or IR3535 on children when they are two months old (not younger). They may also use oil of lemon eucalyptus on children ages three and older. Commissioner Davis also noted the Department of Health has baby bed nets available, and encouraged residents to call the Department’s Emergency Operations Center at 340 712-6205 if they need one. William (Bill) Vogel, Federal Coordinating Officer of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region II, discussed supply deliveries and reported the reverse osmosis water system can now be activated. “Today was a great day,” Vogel said, noting two C-17 aircraft delivered meals and water on Saturday. Four additional C-17s are expected to deliver supplies on Sunday. Vogel suggested that residents take photos of the damages they have sustained, contact their insurance providers to initiate the claims process, and keep all receipts. Residents can register for disaster assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 or visiting www.disasterassistance.gov . He reminded residents official FEMA inspectors carry FEMA badges, and cautioned them against anyone purporting to be a “FEMA-approved contractor”. “Always ask to see the FEMA employee’s badge, and if you suspect any fraud, call the hotline at 1-866-720-5721,” he implored. Governor Mapp reminded residents that every day is a step forward in the recovery process: “Today is better than it was yesterday.” The Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands will continue to provide updates as they become available. The official website to donate to the U.S. Virgin Islands recovery effort is usvirecovery.org . Other resources for information include: Government House: www.informusvi.com VITEMA: www.vialert.govVITEMA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vitema Government House Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GovernmentHouseUSVI/ The Department of Tourism: www.usviupdate.com Emergency Operation Centers: (340) 773-2244 (St. Croix) (340) 776-2244 (St. John) (340) 774-2244 (St. Thomas)
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Governor Mapp Briefs Senators On Recovery Efforts
The U.S. Virgin Islands Government is still assessing the damage done to its infrastructure and public facilities, Governor Kenneth E. Mapp told members of the 32nd Legislature Saturday. The government is insured for a portion of its losses and the federal government has pledged to pay for much of the cost of recovery under the Stafford Act. Governor Mapp and Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter met with Senate President Myron Jackson and Senators Marvin Blyden, Janette Millin Young, Jean Forde, Tregenza Roach, Brian Smith and Janelle Sarauw in the Board of Elections conference room to discuss the state of the Territory’s effort to recover from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. “You can’t change the reality and the reality is we were hit with two Category 5 hurricanes in 12 days,” the Governor said. “It is a painful reality, but we have to look for the silver lining as we move forward and rebuild.” Jackson said the 32nd Legislature was prepared to play a greater role in the Territory’s recovery. Senators would like to assist in distributing supplies to seniors and others in need and to have a more formalized role at the Emergency Operations Command. The Governor said that a ship was on its way to the Territory with more than one million meals and a great deal of water. Other items such as cots and radios would also be headed to the Territory. The Lt. Governor addressed concerns with the process of distributing relief supplies. He reported that despite limited supplies in some areas, Saturday’s distribution, which was expanded to several new sites, went well. “Tomorrow is a chance to hit the reset button and do better where we can,” Potter said. Senators also had questions about debris removal, mosquito control, jobs in the recovery effort, the status of the hospitals, assisting residents of public housing and the tarpaulin program, which successfully got underway Saturday morning. Governor Mapp said that there would be many employment opportunities going forward. “We want to get as many of our people who are willing to work on the job,” he said. “There is going to be more work than people here to do it.” Governor Mapp indicated that FEMA personnel, linemen and relief workers from around the country were on the way to the U.S. Virgin Islands and would be housed on a cruise ship.The Chief Executive said the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development was continuing work on a plan to aid those public housing residents displaced by the storm and that an announcement was expected next week in that regard. Governor Mapp and Lt. Governor Potter explained to senators that the Emergency Operations Command would soon be moving to the University of the Virgin Islands, where the gym will serve as the center of operations for the local and federal governments’ relief efforts. The recovery process will, without question, bring new challenges each day, the Governor told senators. “It’s not going to be uneventful,” he said. “I try at my press conferences each day to help manage people’s expectations.” The Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands will continue to provide updates as they become available. Resources for information include: Government House: informusvi.com VITEMA: vialert.govVITEMA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vitema Government House Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GovernmentHouseUSVI/ The Department of Tourism: www.usviupdate.com Emergency Operation Centers: St. Croix - (340) 773-2244 St. John - (340) 776-2244 St. Thomas - (340) 774-2244
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Saturday, September 23
Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands Kenneth E. Mapp has announced that commercial flights at Cyril E. King International Airport are expected to resume on a limited basis towards the middle or end of next week. Speaking at Friday’s press conference, the Governor reported that after visiting the St. Thomas airport, officials were hard at work preparing it for humanitarian or mercy flights. Additional work is still required at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix, and the government is working with cruise partners to transport some residents to Florida towards the end of next week. Governor Mapp and Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty will meet with members of the business community in both U.S. Virgin Islands districts next week to discuss the readiness of the Territory to welcome visiting cruise passengers in 30 days. “Because it is a possibility, we want to be able to sit with members of the business community in the Territory as our partners to hear from them about readiness and the appropriateness of doing so,” he announced, explaining that the disasters have impacted many workers in the private sector. The curfew currently in place in the St. Thomas-St. John district has been reduced by one hour, and will be enforced from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. daily. The four-hour suspension (between noon and 4 p.m.) of St. Croix’s 24-hour curfew will be repeated on Saturday, September 23, allowing residents to perform essential tasks such as refueling or picking up supplies from distribution centers or businesses that are open during that time. Governor Mapp announced that Eulalie Rivera Elementary School will serve as an additional distribution center on St. Croix, joining Cotton Valley Fire Station, Juanita Gardine Elementary School, Alexander Henderson Elementary School and the St. Croix Educational Complex. Residents of Whim Gardens, Flamboyant Gardens and Sunny Isle Elderly Housing are asked not to go to the distribution centers as they will be provisioned individually. Distribution centers in St. Thomas and St. John include Kirwan Terrace Community Center, Tutu Fire Station, Omar Brown Fire Station near Barbel Plaza, Dorothea Fire Station, Bordeaux Fire Station and Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, the Government Parking Lot and The Legislature; and Coral Bay Fire Station, and the ballpark at Julius E. Sprauve Elementary School on St. John. The Territory’s leader reported what appears to have been the first casualty of Hurricane Maria and extended his sympathy to the family of the individual on St. Thomas who is suspected to have succumbed to drowning. The Governor held discussions with U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Ben Carson to address the conditions of residents in public housing. “(I expressed) the need for HUD to mobilize forces and resources to get their clients into better housing conditions. I am looking forward to getting a plan from HUD this week that I can share with the community … how folks can be transferred into habitable housing that is safe for them, their families and their children.” William (Bill) Vogel, Federal Coordinating Officer of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region II, announced that meals and supplies are continuing to arrive, there will be a rapid increase in the construction of blue roofs, and a temporary medical facility on St. Thomas has been reassembled and will reopen on Saturday, September 23. Requests for two additional facilities on St. Croix and St. Thomas are being reviewed, and preparations are being made for a Navy aircraft to evacuate dialysis patients Saturday morning. “The federal family is happy that they are able to help and we will continue to do whatever we can as long as it takes in order to be able to support the U.S. Virgin Islands,” he said. Residents were reminded to register for disaster assistance by calling 1 800-621-3362 or visiting www.disasterassistance.gov . Residents applying for individual assistance will have 60 days from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for assistance. More than 5,500 applications have been received due to the impact of Hurricane Irma and 525 in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. “I know it may sound just like a slogan, but it’s a little better than it was yesterday and it is certainly better than the day Maria passed us by,” the Governor remarked.
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Hurricane Maria Update: September 19, 2017
U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Kenneth E. Mapp, in an 11:00 a.m. briefing, advises residents of the U.S territory that the center of Hurricane Maria is expected to directly hit the south west coast of St. Croix, the southernmost island.
Hurricane Maria is a category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph. Maria is the second powerful storm to strike the territory in two weeks. The Governor is emphasizing safety as the priority concern. Hurricane Maria will begin impacting St. Croix and the islands to the north beginning late afternoon Tuesday and into Wednesday. Residents whose homes were damaged two weeks ago by Hurricane Irma are urged to seek shelter either in those designated by the government or more secure accommodations.
The following shelters are opened throughout the territory: ST. THOMAS Knud Hansen Medical Complex Lockhart Elementary School Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Roy Lester Schneider Medical Center (Special Needs)
ST. JOHN Bethany Moravian Church Guy Benjamin Elementary School Myrah Keating Smith (Special Needs)
ST. CROIX Canegata Recreation Park St. Croix Educational Complex Herbert Grigg Home Charles Harwood Hospital (Special Needs)
Residents bound for shelters will not be impeded by curfew restrictions. The Governor warns that Maria is an extremely dangerous hurricane. Residents of St. Croix’s south coast are advised that storm surge may reach 25 feet. The national weather service will issue an alert on cell phones when the impact of the center of the storm is eminent. Conditions throughout the territory will continue to deteriorate until maximum storm impact late Tuesday and into Wednesday. Governor Mapp will provide the next public briefing on Hurricane Maria at 2:00 p.m., conditions permitting.
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National Hurricane Center - EXTREMELY DANGEROUS HURRICANE MARIA HEADED FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND PUERTO RICO...
BULLETIN
500 AM AST Tue Sep 19 2017
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LOCATION...16.0N 62.3W
ABOUT 65 MI...100 KM WSW OF GUADELOUPE
ABOUT 205 MI...325 KM SE OF ST. CROIX
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...155 MPH...250 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 300 DEGREES AT 9 MPH...15 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...934 MB...27.58 INCHES
WATCHES AND WARNINGS
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CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:
None
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* Guadeloupe
* Dominica
* St. Kitts, Nevis, and Montserrat
* U.S. Virgin Islands
* British Virgin Islands
* Puerto Rico, Culebra, and Vieques
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Antigua and Barbuda
* Saba and St. Eustatius
* St. Maarten
* Anguilla
* St. Lucia
* Martinique
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for...
* Saba and St. Eustatius
* St. Maarten
* St. Martin and St. Barthelemy
* Anguilla
* Isla Saona to Puerto Plata
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* St. Vincent and the Grenadines
* West of Puerto Plata to the northern Dominican Republic-Haiti
border
A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected
somewhere within the warning area. Preparations to protect life and
property should be rushed to completion.
A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are
expected somewhere within the warning area.
A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible
within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours
before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force
winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or
dangerous.
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are
possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
Interests elsewhere in Hispaniola, the southeastern Bahamas, and
the Turks and Caicos Islands should monitor the progress of Maria.
Additional watches and warnings may be required today.
For storm information specific to your area in the United
States, including possible inland watches and warnings, please
monitor products issued by your local National Weather Service
forecast office. For storm information specific to your area
outside the United States, please monitor products issued by your
national meteorological service.
DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK
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At 500 AM AST (0900 UTC), the center of Hurricane Maria was located
near latitude 16.0 North, longitude 62.3 West. Maria is moving
toward the west-northwest near 9 mph (15 km/h), and this general
motion is expected to continue through Wednesday. On the forecast
track, the eye of Maria will move over the northeastern Caribbean
Sea today, and approach the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico tonight
and Wednesday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 155 mph (250 km/h) with higher
gusts. Maria is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Wind Scale. Some fluctuations in intensity are likely
during the next day or two, but Maria is forecast to remain an
extremely dangerous category 4 or 5 hurricane while it approaches
the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. An Air Force Hurricane Hunter
aircraft is currently investigating Maria.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the
center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles
(205 km).
The estimated minimum central pressure is 934 mb (27.58 inches).
HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
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WIND: Hurricane conditions will continue to spread throughout
portions of the hurricane warning area in the Leeward Islands this
morning. Hurricane conditions should spread through the remainder
of the Hurricane Warning area later today and Wednesday. Hurricane
conditions are possible within the Hurricane Watch area in the
Dominican Republic late Wednesday, with tropical storm conditions
possible by early Wednesday. Tropical storm conditions are possible
in the Tropical Storm Watch area in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
this morning, and are possible in the Tropical Storm Watch area in
the Dominican Republic on Wednesday.
Wind speeds atop and on the windward sides of hills and mountains
could be much stronger than the near-surface winds indicated in this
advisory.
STORM SURGE: A dangerous storm surge accompanied by large and
destructive waves will raise water levels by as much as 7 to 11
feet above normal tide levels in the hurricane warning area near
where the center of Maria moves across the Leeward Islands and the
British Virgin Islands.
The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause
normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters
moving inland from the shoreline. The water is expected to reach
the following heights above ground if the peak surge occurs at the
time of high tide...
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands...6 to 9 ft
The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to
the north and east of the landfall location, where the surge will be
accompanied by large and destructive waves. Surge-related
flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal
cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances. For information
specific to your area, please see products issued by your local
National Weather Service forecast office.
RAINFALL: Maria is expected to produce the following rain
accumulations through Thursday:
Central and southern Leeward Islands...10 to 15 inches, isolated 20
inches.
U.S. and British Virgin Islands...10 to 15 inches, isolated 20
inches.
Puerto Rico...12 to 18 inches, isolated 25 inches.
Northern Leeward Islands from Barbuda to Anguilla...4 to 8 inches,
isolated 10 inches.
Windward Islands and Barbados...2 to 4 inches, isolated 6 inches.
Eastern Dominican Republic...4 to 8 inches, isolated 12 inches.
Rainfall on all of these islands will cause life-threatening flash
floods and mudslides.
SURF: Swells generated by Maria are affecting the Lesser Antilles.
These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip
current conditions. Please consult products from your local
weather office.
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