FREDERIKSTED — With the territory likely to sustain at least tropical storm force winds from Hurricane Irma, the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) said Sunday that sandbag distribution will begin territory-wide 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The agency gave a list of locations where the sandbags can be collected:
St. Croix:
• Department of Public Works, Anna’s Hope
• Department of Public Works, Frederiksted
• Grove Fire Station
• Cotton Valley Fire Station
St. Thomas:
• Department of Public Works
• Bordeaux Fire Station
• Tutu Fire Station
St. John:
• Department of Public Works
Meanwhile, the Department of Health said on Sunday that it has been working with VITEMA for a coordinated storm response, if needed.
“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,” Health Commissioner Michelle Davis said. “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.
DOH also said that it has arranged to place ambulances in strategic locations territory-wide for quick response, if the need arises.
“The Dept. of Health 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 D.O.H. 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.”