Due to the projected impact of Tropical Storm Erin on the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Services, the Department of Public Works, the Office of ADA Coordinator, and the Department of Human Services, has accelerated the territory-wide sandbag distribution program. While the exact impact of Tropical Storm Erin remains uncertain at this time, VITEMA is taking proactive measures to ensure all residents have access to critical hurricane preparedness resources before the storm’s arrival.
This accelerated distribution represents the only sandbag distribution for the 2025 hurricane season, and we strongly encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to protect their homes and property.
Revised Distribution Schedule
General Public Distribution:
Fire Stations
Dates: Aug. 14, 15, and 16
Time: 8 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Requirements: Bring identification and your own shovel
Department of Public Works Sites
Dates: Aug. 14 and 15, (CLOSED Saturday, Aug. 16)
Time: 8 a.m. — 4 p.m. (with lunch break 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.)
Requirements: Bring identification and your own shovel
VITEMA VIRGIN ISLANDS TERRITORIAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Access & Functional Needs + Aging Community
Call-in Dates: August 11-14th, 2025 from 9:00 AM-3:00PM
Delivery Dates: August 18-19th, 2025
St. Croix District: 340-718-2980
St. Thomas/St. John District: 340-473-1848 or 340-998-3571
Due to the accelerated timeline and short notice, all partner agencies will do their best to deliver sandbags to as many individuals as possible. However, we strongly encourage the Access and Functional Needs and Aging Community to seek assistance from neighbors, family members, and community support networks to obtain sandbags during the general distribution period.
Distribution Locations
Water Island
Date: September 6, 2025
Provided by: Department of Public Works
Times: 08:30 AM (Barge Dock, Water Island)
Note: On Saturday, August 16, only fire stations will be open for distribution.
Due to the short notice period, the scheduled Water Island distribution cannot be accommodated before the storm’s arrival. We strongly encourage Water Island residents to travel to either St. Thomas or St. John to obtain sandbags during the general distribution period.
St. Croix
Department of Public Works Estate Anna’s Hope, Department of Public Works Concordia Site, Cotton Valley Fire Station, and Grove Station Fire Station.
St. Thomas
Department of Public Works Sub Base Operations Yard, Fortuna Fire Station, Tutu Fire Station, and Omar Brown Fire Station.
St. John
Department of Public Works Susannaberg and Coral Bay Fire Station.
For more information about hurricane preparedness and emergency management resources, visit VITEMA.VI.GOV.
VITEMA reminds all residents to stay informed about Tropical Storm Erin’s development and to follow all emergency preparedness guidelines. Monitor local weather updates and be prepared to take additional protective measures as the storm approaches.
