When a hurricane watch or warning is issued, or during an active emergency, use this section to stay safe and access critical services.
🚨 Emergency Contacts
DIAL 911 for life-threatening emergencies
TTY: 1-800-462-7585
Emergency Hotline: 340-777-9000
Shelter & Evacuation
Shelter Locations on St. John
Check with VITEMA for current status: 340-774-2244
📍
📍 Schneider Regional Medical Center (St. Thomas) — Pre-Registration Required
Shelter locations and capacity change. Always verify before arriving.
Full Shelter Details
What to Bring to a Shelter
✓ Government-issued ID
✓ Medications (7-day supply)
✓ Blankets, pillow, personal items
✓ Snacks and water
✓ Phone charger + portable battery
✓ Important documents
✓ Cash
✓ Activities for children
✗ DO NOT bring: Weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs, candles
Evacuation Information
St. John Evacuation:
- VITEMA coordinates ferry evacuations to St. Thomas when ordered
- Monitor WVGN 107.3 FM and VITEMA social media for announcements
- Evacuate early if you have special needs, pets, or limited mobility
- Register with the VI Alert System to receive real-time emergency notifications via text/email
- Designate an out-of-territory contact person that all family members can check in with if local communication fails
- Keep a copy of your evacuation plan and emergency contacts with you at all times
If Evacuating:
✓ Fill your gas tank
✓ Bring your go-bag and important documents
✓ Turn off utilities (if time permits)
✓ Lock your home
✓ Let family and neighbors know you're leaving
✓ Take photos of your home's condition before you leave (for insurance purposes)
✓ Bring pet supplies and vaccination records if you have animals
Stay Connected During Outages
Communication Options When Cell Service is Down
WVGN 107.3 FM — Local emergency updates
NOAA Weather Radio — Continuous weather
LCS Satellite Phone Stations — Fixed locations for emergency calls (activated during disasters)
Two-Way Radios — Family/neighbor communication
Satellite Messengers — Garmin inReach for emergency messages
Pre-Arranged Meeting Points — Physical locations to meet family
Before You Lose Power
✓ Charge all devices fully
✓ Charge portable battery packs
✓ Fill bathtub with water (for flushing toilets)
✓ Set fridge/freezer to coldest setting
✓ Make ice (fill every container)
✓ Download offline maps
✓ Screenshot important phone numbers
Medical & Supplies
Medical Emergency: Dial 911 or go to Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center
Emergency Supplies (food, water, tarps):
- LCS Distribution Points
- VITEMA Points of Distribution (PODs)
- American Red Cross
Prescription Medications:
- Refill before the storm
- If you run out, contact your pharmacy or health center with prescription bottle
Damage Reporting
Do NOT touch downed power lines or drive through flooded roads.
⚡ Downed power lines
Call WAPA: 340-774-3552
🚧 Blocked roads
VI Police: 340-693-8880
💨 Gas leaks
Evacuate immediately, call 911
💧 Water main breaks
WAPA Water: 340-774-4686
Post-Storm Health & Safety
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Contaminated Water
Mold
Foodborne Illness
Mosquito-Borne Illness
Injury Prevention
Transitioning to Recovery
Once the immediate danger has passed:
- Document damage with photos and videos for insurance and FEMA
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible
- Register with FEMA at disasterassistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362
- Visit the H O M E for recovery resources:
- Emergency Services (food, shelter, immediate aid)
Housing Recovery (repairs, FEMA, rental assistance)
Grants (disaster relief funds)