I have already begun my preparations and, I urge you to do the same. Let us prepare our minds, homes, families, and businesses to cope with the destructive power of this sometimes devastating natural event. Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orland Smith. Photo: VINO

As you know, hurricanes are not a strange occurrence for this Territory. That is why I will continue to urge residents, and even those visiting our shores to take disaster preparedness seriously.

Hurricanes have the potential to produce significant storm surge, heavy rainfall, flooding, high winds and rip currents. Many of us can remember the effects of hurricanes like Donna, David, Gilbert, Hugo, Marilyn and Earl because of the great devastation that affected not only homes and businesses, but our communities and families. 

As we plan for this hurricane season, we need to be mindful that while the Government of the Virgin Islands will mobilise all the resources necessary to ensure continuity of business and the orderly running of the Territory, our resilience will strongly depend on how well we are all prepared. Preparedness is crucial to our personal and economic survival.

Let there be no mistake, it is only through planning that we will come through safely, property damage will be reduced, lives will be saved, and recovery will be speedily executed. Listen closely for information about hazards that may impact the Territory. Always be prepared for the unexpected. Do not become complacent.

I urge you to adhere to the highest level of preparedness as prescribed by the Department of Disaster Management.

I have already begun my preparations and, I urge you to do the same. Let us prepare our minds, homes, families, and businesses to cope with the destructive power of this sometimes devastating natural event. 

The time to be aware, be prepared, and be alert is now.

Have a safe 2013 Hurricane Season.