I am supposedly scheduled off today (Sunday), but that didn’t exactly happen. Not only that, the roads were out so I had leave a bit earlier to the rally point.

The roads were…..not that great.

On the way, there are lots of homes that are being cleaned out and not everyone qualifies for the popular US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) Blue Roof Program.

For more information on the Blue Roof Program, call 888-766-3258.

As luck would have it, one of the local social workers/mental health counselors wanted to chat about ongoing operations on how we can better meet the needs of the senior population. However, we started the beach meeting with a rather large and grumpy iguana.

Fun stuff right? Don’t worry, I didn’t let my first beach meeting go to waste.

However, I definitely jinxed it and after a few short hours, we had this roll in.

Quickly followed by the NWS Thunderstorm warning and Flash flood warning. Here’s the video from the drive back up the mountain.

Though for a Sunday, I have to admit that PIO planning with sand between my toes is definitely a new one for me.

@rusnivek

Weeks after a Category-5 direct hit from Hurricane Maria, the damages in the US Virgin Islands are still a very visible part of the community.

Not only structures, but also countless boats are kinda in the water…

…and on land too.

Roads aren’t that great either.

Many residential structures are damaged and at major risk of collapse.

Trust me when I say countless Federal and public safety professionals are working hard to ensure that all of the survivors are getting the help they need.

We are in it for the long run.

FEMA PIO reporting live from the US Virgin Islands…

@rusnivek

 

Doing a short interview with US Virgin Island’s Channel-2 news on the new FEMA Disaster Recovery Center that just opened up in downtown St. Thomas along the waterfront.

FEMA PIO onscene with new information for the Channel-2 News team and Kishon Casey.

Sharing news about a new community resource is always great esp to support survivors.

Ways to apply to get disaster assistance:

• Go to your local Disaster Recovery Center
• Register at http://www.disasterassistance.gov
• Call 800-621-3362
• Download the FEMA app (available on iOS and Android)

Apply today!

@rusnivek

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