(United States Virgin Islands, Thursday, August 4, 2022) – With peak hurricane season underway from August through October, FEMA is urging Virgin Islanders to understand their risk and be prepared to protect their family, home and financial future.

In 2017, the U.S. Virgin Islands was devastated by Category 5 Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The U.S. Virgin Islands was spared severe damage during the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season, but it’s important Virgin Islanders prepare themselves for this season, so they won’t be caught off guard.

Hurricane season brings heavy winds, rainfall and flooding that can lead to significant damage. Having a flood insurance policy can be the key to recovering quickly following a flood event since homeowners’ and renters insurance policies do not typically cover flood damage.

Melissa Griffith, FEMA Floodplain Specialist, U.S. Virgin Islands, explains the steps Virgin Islanders can take to protect their homes.

SOUNDBITE #1:

IT’S VITAL THAT VIRGIN ISLANDERS PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR THIS YEAR’S UPCOMING HURRICANE SEASON. HEAVY WINDS, RAINFALL AND FLOODING CAN BRING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGES TO YOUR PROPERTY AND JUST ONE INCH OF FLOODING IN YOUR HOME CAN CAUSE ROUGHLY TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS IN DAMAGE. PROTECT THE LIFE YOU’VE BUILT WITH FLOOD INSURANCE.

SOUNDBITE #2:

WITH HURRICANE SEASON UNDERWAY, IT’S VITAL FOR VIRGIN ISLANDERS TO TAKE ACTION SO THEY CAN PROTECT THEIR HOMES AND THEIR FAMILIES. HAVING A FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY IS CRUCIAL TO RECOVERING FASTER FOLLOWING A FLOOD EVENT. PROTECT THE LIFE YOU’VE BUILT WITH FLOOD INSURANCE.

For more information, visit floodsmart.gov/hurricane-season.