Human Services Decides on Territory’s Shelters for 2019 Season

 

A classroom at Sprauve School on St. John became a storm shelter after the islands were battered in September. (Amy Roberts photo)
A classroom at Sprauve School on St. John became a storm shelter after the islands were battered in September of 2017. (Amy Roberts photo

The Department of Human Services Commissioner-nominee Kimberley Causey-Gomez has announced that her department has completed its inspection of the territory’s emergency shelters.

The primary evacuation shelters throughout the territory have been re-inspected by a multi-disciplinary team that is committed to ensuring the safety of Virgin Islands residents.

“Primary evacuation shelter openings are incident-specific, and Virgin Islands officials will announce the specific locations of shelters and when they will open in advance of a hurricane,” Causey-Gomez said. “Not all shelters will be opened at the same time, so please monitor local radio, television and social media broadcasts for up-to-date information.”

Primary evacuation shelters are for residents who do not have the opportunity to shelter in place or with family or friends and who need a safe place to ride out a storm or other emergency. They are for short-term sheltering; no cots or bedding will be in place for the first 72 hours.

Before heading to a shelter, there are several things residents should consider. First, determine whether you really need to evacuate. Residents who live in an area susceptible to storm surge or flooding or who live in a manufactured home may be at greater danger if a storm is approaching.

Residents who shelter in a primary evacuation shelter should bring their own supplies, such as a chair or bedding, hygiene items, food, water, medicine and important documents.

The Territory’s Primary Evacuation Shelters are:

St. Croix
• Human Services’ Frederiksted Head Start Center in Mars Hill
• St. Croix Educational Complex
• D.C. Canegata Community Center

St. Thomas
• Human Services’ Knud Hansen – STRIVE Center
• Human Services’ Sugar Estate Head Start Center
• Lockhart Elementary School
• Ivanna Eudora Kean High School

St. John
• Calabash Boom Community Center
• Julius Sprauve School

Water Islands
• Water Island Fire Station

Causey-Gomez reminds residents that safety and preparation are necessary and that they should purchase their storm supplies now.