Local businesses, organizations and government agencies encouraged residents to prepare for hurricane season and other natural disasters on Friday at the 2012 All Hazards Preparedness Expo hosted by the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.
About 15 other groups set up shop at Emancipation Garden on St. Thomas, handing out pamphlets, demonstrating ways to ready homes for disasters and more.
"The purpose of this really is to try to get the public more involved in getting ready for emergency situations like hurricanes. We do the expo right before hurricane season so it’s a good time to get involved," said Noel Smith, assistant director at VITEMA.
This year’s theme, Preparing Together, emphasized islanders working as a team to prepare for and rebuild after natural disasters like tsunamis, earthquakes, floods and hurricanes. Military representatives focused on natural as well as man-made disasters such as results of weapons of mass destruction. Smith reminded those present that while we can predict some disasters, they all can be devastating.
Participating groups ranged from organizations like the American Red Cross which can provide food, shelter and clothing during a disaster to the National Guard which monitors weather and storms. All groups shared information and some held short presentations.
Representatives from the Water and Power Authority set up displays showing how we use electricty and also disaster preparation when it comes to water and electricity.
"WAPA wants you to know how to save power, conserve energy, use power wisely," said WAPA employee Jamie Francis as he used an interactive display to show residents how to save energy.
Groups were very excited to work together and often commented on the success of the expo, citing the nearly 300 people who filtered in and out during the evening
"It’s very important especially this year because we find the weather is changing early. We’re just hoping for a normal hurricane season, but we’ve made sure people are prepared," said Monife Stout, public relations officer at the Department of Human Services.
In closing, SkyMed marketing executive Jane Webster reiterated the significance of awareness.
"The community needs to know the importance of being prepared since we live on an island surrounded by water," she said. "We need protection and peace of mind."
The expo was held Thursday on St. John, and will continue this weekend. The schedule is:
– Saturday: 2 to 5 p.m. on Water Island.
– Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m. at Christiansted National Park, St. Croix.
More information on hurricane season preparation can be found online at www.ready.gov.