With the number one priority of maintaining healthcare and timely emergency response, since Friday, September 1st, the USVI Department of Health (DOH) has been working closely with VITEMA, healthcare facilities and other agencies in preparation for Hurricane Irma.
UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
_________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2017
DOH Prepares for Hurricane Irma
With the number one priority of maintaining healthcare and timely emergency response, since Friday, September 1st, the USVI Department of Health (DOH) has been working closely with VITEMA, healthcare facilities and other agencies in preparation for Hurricane Irma.
Commissioner Davis stated, “The Department of Health’s first priority is the health and safety of all in the USVI. In order to maintain quality care and quick response during and after the hurricane, the Department of Health has arranged for the placement of ambulances at various sites across the territory. Our Special Need Shelters-located at the Charles Harwood Complex (CHC) on St. Croix and Community Health Clinic at SRMC on St. Thomas- are ready for activation in both districts. All generators are fully fueled to continue operations and maintain the refrigeration of immunizations and medications; and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is ready for activation once the need has been identified. The DOH has also been supporting the hurricane preparation efforts and needs of the hospitals and the Federally Qualified Health Care Centers in the territory. Additionally, the DOH has made preparations for the security of our buildings and staff have been notified of an emergency line to receive updates on the department’s schedule of operations.”
Being prepared for a hurricane includes taking action before a hurricane strikes, to lessen the damage and personal danger these storms can cause. You can take precautions long before a storm arrives to minimize the damage a hurricane can do to your possessions and improve your chances of getting through the storm safely. (https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/hurricanepreparedness/) Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), before a hurricane arrives it is important to make a plan and get supplies.
Tips for Hurricane preparation:
- Stock up on drinking water-to last you three (3) to five (5) days, get canned/non perishable foods
- Make sure batteries are in your hurricane lamps and flash lights
- Cut branches close to your house
- Disconnect your propane gas tanks, turn off the gas and put them flat on the ground in a secure position so that it is not blown away,
- Either tie down or bring in outside furniture
- Fill up the gas in your vehicles
- Secure your vehicles
- Waterproof/secure important documents/books by placing them in zip lock or plastic bags
- Unplug all appliances from the walls
- Make sure you have enough food and medicine on hand and a way to keep them cool if power goes out
- Have a battery-powered radio
- First aid kit
- Avoid flood areas -do not drive/walk through.
The Department of Health encourages the community and staff to monitor the DOH’s Facebook page and/or website for updates www.facebook.com/virginislandsdoh and doh.vi.gov and monitor vialert.gov.
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