April 8, 2021 – The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency will host a series of in-person disaster preparedness training events throughout the territory as part of a national Community Emergency Response Team (CERTS) exercise beginning April 9 th on St. Croix.

The multi-day event will educate volunteers about preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and will train them in basic disaster response such as fire safety, team organization, light search and rescue and disaster medical operations.

“Our purpose is to equip individuals and groups with the tools and training necessary to best address emergency situations in their neighborhoods and schools before the arrival of first responders”, stated Emergency Management Outreach Coordinator Lisa Ann James. “Each participant will receive a certificate of completion and a CERTS identification badge.”

The free training takes place over two and a half days on each island. St. Croix; April 9-11, at the D.C. Canegata Recreation Center. St. Thomas; April 16-18, at the VITEMA Emergency Operations Center, and on St. John April 23-25 at St. John Rescue Headquarters. COVID-19 protocols will be observed that include mandatory facial masks.

To register, please contact Lisa Ann James VITEMA Outreach Coordinator at 340- 715-6825 or 340-774-2244.