8221 NISKY, ST. THOMAS, VI 00802  
     2164 KING CROSS, CHRISTIANSTED, VI 00820-0840           6 SUSANNABERG, ST. JOHN, VI 00830                             
  TEL. (340) 774-2244 FAX (340) 715-6847              TEL. (340) 773-2244 FAX (340) 778-8980 
         TEL. (340) 776-6444 FAX (340) 779-4266 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
 
April 8, 2021  
 
Erik Ackerson   
Public Information Officer 
VITEMA 
340-774-2244 ext. 6809 
340-715-6809 DIRECT  
erik.ackerson@vitema.vi.gov  
 
VITEMA to Host Community Emergency Response Team Training Events 
April 8, 2021 – The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency 
will host a series of in-person disaster preparedness training events throughout the 
territory as part of a national Community Emergency Response Team (CERTS) 
exercise beginning April 9th on St. Croix.  
The multi-day event will educate volunteers about preparedness for the hazards 
that may impact their area and will train them in basic disaster response such as 
fire safety, team organization, light search and rescue and disaster medical 
operations. 
“Our purpose is to equip individuals and groups with the tools and training 
necessary to best address emergency situations in their neighborhoods and schools 
before the arrival of first responders”, stated Emergency Management Outreach 
Coordinator Lisa Ann James. “Each participant will receive a certificate of 
completion and a CERTS identification badge.” 
The free training takes place over two and a half days on each island. St. Croix; 
April 9-11, at the D.C. Canegata Recreation Center. St. Thomas; April 16-18, at 
the VITEMA Emergency Operations Center, and on St. John April 23-25 at St. 
John Rescue Headquarters. COVID-19 protocols will be observed that include 
mandatory facial masks. 
To register, please contact Lisa Ann James VITEMA Outreach Coordinator at 340-
715-6825 or 340-774-2244. 
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VITEMA VIRGIN ISLANDS TERRITORIAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY