VITEMA and FEMA to Hold 2018 Disaster Preparedness Mitigation Expo on St. Thomas

The U.S. Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) invite the public to the 2018 Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Expo on Saturday, June 2, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the TuTu Park Mall on St. Thomas. The expo is an educational event designed to promote disaster resiliency, weather awareness, safety, and hurricane preparedness to residents and visitors of the territory. An earlier one was held in St. Croix on May 19.

The Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Expo will give the community an opportunity to interact with emergency management officials, disaster response agencies, restoration service providers and other relevant stakeholders and to learn about mitigating damage, preventing loss of life, comprehensive disaster preparations, and recovery.

“We are excited to host this event again with FEMA as we continue to provide as much information to the public as we can on mitigating against future disasters,” VITEMA Director Mona Barnes said. “Good mitigation can be key to your resiliency later. Come to the expo! It’s free, informative and fun!”

Federal Coordinating Officer, William Vogel added, “FEMA is proud to again partner with VITEMA in this important public outreach event. Taking good mitigation steps is crucial for the ability of families and communities to withstand and recover from a disaster. ”

In addition to educational events, the expo will feature music, live performances, raffles, children’s activities and over a dozen exhibitors.