Super happy to see this in my email tonight (11-21-17) from a disaster survivor and most importantly, a friend.
Work continues on because we are in it for the long run.
The US Virgin Islands are on the road to recovery!
Busy morning as we had a big day planned for US Virgin Island St. John.
A quick trip out to our Disaster Recovery Center in Coral Bay.
Without a doubt, it is beautiful here on St. John.
As a PIO, I get to share news that showcases the efforts of local public safety pros…
…and we continue to support local operations with others Federal agencies.
I have always been proud of highlighting the efforts of our Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). These centers are the FEMA front lines taking in disaster assistance registrations from survivors. Staffed not only by FEMA, but other partners from DHS.
In most cases, FEMA will locate these DRCs in a centralized location(s). USVI St. John, the Disaster Recovery Centers are located in
Reporting live from the downtown Cruz Bay Disaster Recovery Center in US Virgin Islands St. John…
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.
Grumpy Iguana
Fun stuff right? Don’t worry, I didn’t let my first beach meeting go to waste.
BEFORE
However, I definitely jinxed it and after a few short hours, we had this roll in.
AFTER
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.
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…
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:
Apply today!
Weekly US Territory press conference time with the US Virgin Islands’ Lt Governor Osbert Potter…
USVI Lt Governor Osbert Potter at the weekly press conference
Our partners from the Virgin Islands Territory Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) was there too.
USVI Lt Governor Osbert Potter and representative from VITEMA
And of course our Disaster Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) gave an update for all islands’ disaster recovery operation.
USVI Lt Governor Osbert Potter and FEMA FCO Bill Vogel
Great night. Glad to see everyone working together.
Dat moment when you realize your DIV/SUP is cool…
FEMA PIO Sur and FEMA FCO Leary on Hurricane Irma/Maria response & recovery
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!
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.
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
Where is @rusnivek? 