Click here to view this week’s Government House Press Briefing
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — During the Government House weekly briefing, Richard Motta Jr., Communications Director for the Office of the Governor, urged residents of the Territory on Monday to be vigilant as hurricane season has officially begun.
“We are now in the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season, and Governor Bryan and the administration want to continue encouraging Virgin Islands residents to prepare and stay up to date with the latest information coming from VITEMA and the National Hurricane Center.”
Director Motta introduced VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen, who prefaced his remarks by warning about unusually high temperatures forecast for this week.
“St. Croix has hit a heat index of 105 degrees,” Jaschen said, “Another hot week is expected for the islands with heat indices not only going to 105 but going above to 108 degrees.”
Director Jaschen shared guidelines stressed by Department of Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion to minimize the effects of a heat wave. In addition to limiting outdoor exposure between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., the Health Department advises individuals to stay hydrated, refrain from alcohol and caffeine intake, dress appropriately for the heat, seek air conditioning, and stay cool. In addition, Jaschen said residents should check on elderly relatives and learn to recognize heat stroke, a severe condition evidenced by high body temperature, confusion, nausea, dizziness, and a loss of consciousness.
Hurricane Preparedness
NOAA predicts 12 to 17 named storms for the 2023 hurricane season, with 5 to 9 storms that may become hurricanes, Director Jaschen said.
“VITEMA recommends you assess your home to determine if it’s safe,” Jaschen said. “This includes looking at your storm shutters, your roof conditions, and the tendency of flooding from either the wind-driven rains or heavy rains which accompany the leading and trailing portions of a storm known as rain bands.”
Under Governor Bryan’s direction, congregant and medical special need evacuation shelters are ready on St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. On St. Thomas, shelters are located at the Lockhart School, the Eudora Kean High School gymnasium, and the Eudora Kean High School cafeteria. On St. Croix, shelters have been readied at the Educational Complex, the D.C. Canegata ballpark, and St. John at the Adrian Senior Center. Water Island residents who need to evacuate their homes are encouraged to shelter on St. Thomas. Individuals may contact the Department of Human Services between June 12 and June 16 at 340-715-6935 to register for shelters. More information can be obtained online at www.vitema.vi.gov or at https://ready.gov.
“The maritime community is encouraged not to ride out any storms on board a vessel,” Jaschen said. “Seek shelter with friends or come to one of the shelters on St. Thomas or St. Croix.”
Social Security Stipends
Director Motta announced that individuals may access the Service Now platform to establish eligibility for $500 Social Security stipends at www.omb.vi.gov. To qualify, registration via the portal is required. For assistance accessing the portal, an email may be sent to ssi@omb.vi.gov
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