Weekly US Territory press conference time with the US Virgin Islands’ Lt Governor Osbert Potter…

Our partners from the Virgin Islands Territory Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) was there too.

And of course our Disaster Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) gave an update for all islands’ disaster recovery operation.

Great night. Glad to see everyone working together.

@rusnivek

Dat moment when you realize your DIV/SUP is cool…

For all disasters, I have been fortunate to have great working relationships with all the Federal Coordinating Officers (FCOs) I worked with. Special mahalos to Seamus for the words of wisdom for the FEMA FCO Program.

@rusnivek

Great meeting the medical team from New Jersey today working the medical magic at Schneider Regional Medical Center.

They are part of an EMAC agreement (obv Region II) to support medical operations in the ER, Surgical, as well as other medical support positions. HHS supports their efforts and briefs on their activities every day at the Command & General Staff meeting.

The outpouring of support from the hospital staff is yuge! Proud of the relationships that are forged on the floors and in the ER Trauma bays.

I can’t wait to help share their story. #PIO 

Fist pump for the NJ team!

@rusnivek

Despite being knocked down, we will continue to strengthen and support our providers in the field.

Don’t worry, we are working closely with our partners in public safety – specifically in EMS.

Many of you share my sentiments….

…no matter the situation, Fire/EMS/Police will always be there to support the community.

We as Emergency Management will always support our local professionals.

@rusnivek

No matter where you go, a direct hit Category-5 Hurricane will cause considerable damage.

Many structures are not salvageable and will likely have to get demolished.

I’d caution those who are “Disaster Tourists” as things may not be as safe as it once was.

Be mindful of the recovery process and always be safe…esp on a Sunday afternoon!
@rusnivek

T: “Awww, that looks like someone BBQing chicken again.”

Me: “Dude, that isn’t chicken. Black smoke. Someone’s got a work. Let’s go!”

So I’m first due. It appears to be debris. I don’t think its up against a structure or anything. 

Engine-105 pulls up, I briefed the officer and firefighters from VIFD. They dropped a crosslay from the rear.

Pulling hose on a working fire…is fun.

With the second due engine pulling in, the initial attack crews here about to make the hit.

Fun times.

Glad my decades of firefighting skills helped. Super glad to support the Virgin Islands Fire Department today. As always, we at FEMA are glad to be an integral part of the communities that we serve across this great country. 

No matter the role, we are all an integral part of the fabric in this community.

Proud to serve.

@rusnivek

Saturday morning FEMA PIO work here at WSTA morning radio show.

Despite being hit by a category-4 hurricane Irma and a following category-5 hurricane Maria, this station continued to broadcast throughout the entire storm. 

WSTA was the voice for the US Virgin Islands from pre-landfall, broadcasting through the direct hurricane hit, and the aftermath. Today’s show was a multi-agency show. Glad to have USVI Senator President Myron Jackson and the Community Action Now Director Iffat Walker.

FEMA is commited to working with all of our partners in public safety together as we provide for the recovery for all those in the US Virgin Islands.

Whether St. Thomas, St. Croix, or St. John – we at FEMA are here for the long haul to better all of these communities in the US Virgin Islands. Special thanks to Radio host Addie Outtley for having us on the show today.

Great morning show here in the US Virgin Islands 🇻🇮 . Tune in everyday to 1340AM

@rusnivek

Made the quick hop from St. Croix to St. Thomas today.

A few of our partner agencies are also out helping to canvas the area too. 

Great to be working with our friends from DoD.

Nice way to see sunken/submerged vessels in the harbors…

…as well as a quick view of the Blue Roof Program.

Three in the green and back down and secure, instructed to get to our AFO for IT, APO, and of course some supplies.

Also, kinda ominous graphics and spirit signs on the side of the walls here at the AFO (Alternate Field Office).

As you know in the US Virgin Islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix sustained a direct hit Category-4 hit from Hurricane Irma and a Category-5 from Hurricane Maria.

Responder housing? Lodging? Yep, I’m on a boat! 

While the view at the top deck of the ship is OK…

…my room is almost at the bottom of the boat with no windows or cell signal. Basically a closet. So I pretty much feel like I’m in the hole.

This “no signal” problem is a huge issue for PIOs. With data or cell signal non-existent, that is a true challenge for external affairs.

Oh well. At least there are no iguanas in my bed.

@rusnivek

Another beautiful sunrise this morning at 0600.

Then you realize that there is still much to be done with recovery efforts here throughout the US Virgin Islands. 

Spent a bunch of time in the JFO briefing with the External Affairs Officer at FEMA Region 2. #PIO

Driving around town, we can see some businesses are back in service supporting the community. 

While business resiliency is important, safety should always remain at the top of the list.

I really don’t know if a hose is better than duct tape. Jeez.

Reporting live from the USVI…

@rusnivek

Despite the ongoing disaster recovery operations here, the sunrises are beautiful here in the US Virgin Islands.

When I got to the JFO, lots of discussion on communications…esp since most of cell towers are non-operational throughout the USVI. Dang it, even my backup options on cell hotspot wasn’t working so great.

Does that mean it’s time for the SP? Shhhhh, please let the satellite phone sleep!!!

More planning and strategy as we enhance our services to the residents of the USVI. It is likely that we will see more.

Best part? We are working with local public safety providers who are committed on making their community better.

Reporting live from the US Virgin Islands…

@rusnivek