In a continuing effort to encourage residents and businesses to get ready for the hurricane season, the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) and Sunshine Mall are sponsoring a Mini-All Hazards Preparedness Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 30, in the lower level of the Sunshine Mall in Frederiksted.
Similar to the All Hazards Preparedness Expo held territory-wide in May, the mini-expo will bring together government agencies, voluntary organizations and local businesses that will provide the community with information on how to better prepare for and recover from disaster. Participating agencies include: St. Croix Rescue, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Department of Labor – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Department of Health, VI Fire Services, VI Water and Power Authority (WAPA), VI Waste Management Authority (VIWMA), American Red Cross, St. Croix Animal Welfare Center, Innovative Corp., Caribe Supply, Caribe Home Center and a host of local government agencies.
In addition to the information tables, various first responders will display their vehicles, and VITEMA and Sunshine Mall will raffle an Emergency Supply Kit stocked with items needed in the event of a disaster.
The theme of the all hazards mini-expo is “Preparing Together,” which reflects a whole-community approach to emergency management. While the federal and local government will bring all of its resources to bear, the territory’s resiliency will depend on how well we prepare as a community – individuals, families and businesses.