Director of Disaster Management Mr. Jasen Penn called the Virgin Islands’ collective response to this weekend’s tsunami advisory commendable, adding that he hopes the experience improves public understanding of tsunami threats.

The public is notified that the January test of the National Early Warning Multi-hazard Alert System has been postponed and will take place on Friday, 31^st January.

Residents of the Virgin Islands are invited to download the schedule of tests of the National Early Warning Multi-hazard Alert System for 2025. Sirens and other elements of the early warning system are generally tested on the fourth Friday each month.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially ended November 30. With 18 named storms and 11 hurricanes with five major hurricanes causing damage around the Atlantic and Caribbean; 2024 was the ninth consecutive above average hurricane season.

One of the best ways to be ready to react quickly and safely in case of an earthquake is to regularly practise the DROP, COVER and HOLD earthquake safety response, said Director of Disaster Management Jasen Penn.

Schools across the Virgin Islands are getting “green” with improved waste management, resource conservation, and improved gardens thanks to the BVI SMART Schools Project partner Green VI.

The Department of Disaster Management encourages all Virgin Islands residents to join the Territorial earthquake exercise ShakeOut, which will be held locally on November 14 at 2:00 p.m.

It is once again the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, or DRR Day. Each year, disaster managers like myself share new developments in the field of disaster management, highlight strategies and actions individuals can take to reduce their personal risk, and advocate for improved disaster management practices around the world.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) Red Cross has trained 100 educators and school support staff in First Aid in a significant step towards bolstering community resilience.

Students in 14 public schools across the Virgin Islands returned to safer and SMARTer learning environments, thanks to the ongoing efforts of the BVI SMART Schools Project.