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Disaster Preparedness Resources

Resource Name	What They Offer	Category	Phone	Website	Cost	When to Use	Additional Notes	Location / Availability
Amateur (Ham) Radio License	Radio communication when cell service fails - study groups and testing	Training & Certification			Varies	Blue-Skies MonthsYear-Round	Search 'Virgin Islands Amateur Radio Club' or ask at LCS	Local ham radio clubs
American Red Cross USVI	First Aid/CPR training, disaster preparedness classes, shelter information	Government AgencyTraining & Certification	340-776-8987	redcross.org/local/virgin-islands	Varies	Blue-Skies MonthsYear-Round	Some free community classes available	USVI-Wide
CDC Disaster Preparedness	Health and safety guidance, medication management, special needs planning	Digital Resource		cdc.gov/disasters	Free	Blue-Skies MonthsPre-SeasonYear-Round	Especially helpful for seniors and people with medical needs	Online
CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)	Free disaster response training including first aid, fire safety, light search & rescue	Training & CertificationGovernment Agency	340-774-2244	vitema.vi.gov	Free	Blue-Skies MonthsYear-Round	Usually 20 hours over several weeks	USVI-Wide, offered through VITEMA
Emergency Food & Water Storage	Non-perishable food, water storage containers	Supplies & MaterialsLocal Business/Supplier			Paid	Blue-Skies MonthsPre-Season	Stock up gradually during blue-skies months to avoid panic buying. Rotate supplies annually; check expiration dates each May.	Supermarkets, hardware stores
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)	Free preparedness guides, emergency planning templates, mobile app with alerts	Government AgencyDigital Resource		ready.gov/hurricanes	Free	Blue-Skies MonthsPre-SeasonHurricane SeasonDuring StormPost-Storm Recovery	Download 'FEMA' app for alerts and preparedness tips	Online, mobile app (iOS & Android)
FEMA Hurricane Preparedness Guide	Supply lists, family plan templates, evacuation guides	Digital Resource		ready.gov/hurricanes	Free	Blue-Skies MonthsPre-SeasonYear-Round	Comprehensive free guide	Online - downloadable PDFs
First Aid & CPR Certification	First Aid and CPR training and certification	Training & Certification			Varies	Blue-Skies MonthsYear-Round	Some free community classes available	American Red Cross USVI, local health clinics
First Aid Supplies	First aid kits, medical supplies, prescription refills	Supplies & MaterialsLocal Business/Supplier			Paid	Blue-Skies MonthsPre-SeasonYear-Round	Pre-made kits available but often cheaper to build your own. Ask pharmacy about 90-day prescription supplies.	Pharmacies, supermarkets, online retailers
Generators & Fuel	Generators, fuel containers, fuel stabilizer	Supplies & MaterialsLocal Business/Supplier			Paid	Blue-Skies MonthsPre-Season	Never run generators indoors or near windows	Hardware and equipment retailers (St. John & St. Thomas)