Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA)

The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, or VITEMA, is the cabinet-level agency under the Office of the Governor that coordinates emergency preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation across the territory. For a new resident, its most useful service is Alert VI, the official emergency notification system, which sends alerts by call, text and email before, during and after storms. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and VITEMA says the most dangerous period is from mid-August to late October. Its guidance is to make a household plan and supply kit, including cash, medications and copies of critical documents, to shelter in place in a structurally sound home, and to know your nearest shelter in advance if your home is unstable or in a flood-prone area. VITEMA lists a phone line for each island, and its headquarters is in Estate Nisky on St. Thomas. In an emergency, dial 911.