Virgin Islands Urged to Enhance Disaster Preparedness for 2024

JASEN PENN

As the new year unfolds, residents of the Virgin Islands are advised to create or update their disaster plans, according to Mr. Jasen Penn, the Director of Disaster Management. Reflecting on lessons learned from the previous year, which saw minor earthquakes, major flooding, and close encounters with tropical cyclones, Mr. Penn emphasized the importance of having action plans in place to safeguard lives and property.

Residents are encouraged to utilize free emergency plan templates for schools, businesses, and families available on the Department of Disaster Management’s website, www.bviddm.com. Mr. Penn stressed that having a well-agreed-upon plan can mitigate panic and enable swift, effective action in emergency situations.

Effective family plans should cover aspects such as sheltering, home protection, evacuation routes, critical contacts, and reunion details if separated. Business plans should also outline procedures for shutdown and reopening post-emergency.

Mr. Penn recommended testing procedures to ensure their effectiveness, suggesting individual exercises or participation in national-level drills like the Caribe Wave tsunami exercise scheduled for March 21.

The Department of Disaster Management remains dedicated to fostering a culture of comprehensive disaster management and climate change adaptation in the Virgin Islands.