HurricaneResource Guide©2016 Virgin Islands Daily News

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The Virgin Islands Daily News9155 Estate Thomas,

Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands 00802

It’s that time again. Hurri-cane season is here. Actually,2016 got off to an incrediblyearly start when the firstnamed storm, Alex, poppedup back in January — fol-lowed four months later byBonnie during Memorialweekend.

Since 2012, the hurricaneforecast had been consis-tently ranked “below nor-mal.” Not so this year. Thecurrent forecast is for a “nor-mal” hurricane season. Whatdoes that mean for Virgin Is-landers? The short answer isthat we need to gear up forthe worst while hoping forthe best.

For some island residents,simply hearing the names ofdevastating storms from thepast has a chilling effect.Those monstrous monikers

Count on the Hurricane Preparedness Guideto help you plan properly in case of a storm~ Gear up for the worst while hoping for the best this season ~

include Hugo, Klaus, andMarilyn. Particularly for Cru-cians, Hurricane Omar standsout as a history maker.

If you were on island forone or all of those power-house storms, you have akeen appreciation of MotherNature’s capacity for destruc-tion. The comforting news iswe have learned well frompast mistakes. Building codeshave been amended in theterritory and are more appro-priate to our vulnerable po-sition on the globe.

In case you have not yetimplemented your hurricaneplan-of-action, you still havetime to make the right moves.To assist you, this specialHurricane Preparedness Guidehas been designed to high-light a number of vital con-siderations. For added conve-nience, a handy hurricane-tracking map is enclosed.

For more than two decades,Fortress Self Storage has beenserving island residents withpride and professionalism.Back in the days of Hurricane

Hugo — September of 1989— the spotlight focused onsafe and secure storage unitoptions. Over time, the busi-ness has expanded to includerestaurant, retail and officespace. What a terrific oppor-tunity for local entrepreneurs!By the way, Fortress Self Stor-age also has a private mail-box service, a notary, gamingroom, as well as packing andmoving materials for sale. AtFortress Self Storage, themotto is: “You are alwayswelcome.”

Rental manager Shirley Quetel-Hendricks will be pleased to acquaint you with allthat Fortress Self Storage has to offer from storage and warehouse space tomailbox services, small business location opportunities and more.

When it comes to alterna-tive power sources, Carib-bean Battery in LindberghBay reminds residents tocheck all your power backupneeds. In addition to stock-ing anything and everythingto do with batteries — in-cluding truck, auto, marine,airplane, motorcycle, andcomputer — Caribbean Bat-tery is known for custom so-lar systems.

With hurricane seasonupon us, it’s time to cuttrees, trim bushes and ridyour property of unwanteddebris. The good news is, youcan count on ABC Nurseryand Landscaping to providemaintenance of commercialand residential properties.Proprietors Shelley and CliffBryan and the skilled staffare ready to get to work foryou. Whether you have asmall backyard or sprawlingestate, you can count on ABCNursery and Landscaping.

In fact, you can rely on allthe top quality businessesand services featured in thisissue of the Hurricane Pre-paredness Guide.

Go through the publicationcarefully. Create a checklistof your needs. Once yourtasks are complete, you andyour family should feel moresecure knowing that what-ever the forecast, you areready for anything.

Tropical hurricanes are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena.If you live in an area prone to tropical hurricanes, you need to be prepared. Even areaswell away from the coastline can be threatened by destructive winds, tornadoes andflooding from these storms. How great is the danger? For 1970-2010, the averagenumbers per year were as follows:• Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico: 11 tropical storms, 6 of which

became hurricanes• East Pacific Ocean: 15 tropical storms, 8 of which became hurricanes• Central Pacific Ocean: 4 tropical storms, 2 of which became hurricanes

Over a typical 2-year period, the U.S. coastline is struck by an average of 3 hurri-canes, 1 of which is classified as a major hurricane.

While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms anddepressions also can be devastating. Floods from heavy rains and severe weather cancause extensive damage and loss of life.

Tropical hurricanes forming between 5 and 30 degrees North latitude typically movetoward the west.

Sometimes the winds in the middle and upper levels of the atmospherechange and steer the hurricane toward the north and northwest. When tropi-cal hurricanes reach latitudes near 30 degrees North, they often move north-east. Hurricane seasons and their peaks are as follows:• Atlantic and Caribbean: Jun. 1 to Nov. 30 with peak mid-August to late October.• Central Pacific (Hawaii): Jun. 1 to Nov. 30 with peak from July to September.• East Pacific: May 15 to November 30• Western North Pacific: Tropical hurricanes can strike year round

What is a tropical hurricane?What is a Tropical Hurricane?Understanding the Terminology

A tropical hurricane is a rotating, organized system of clouds and thunder-storms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has a closed low-level circulation. Tropical hurricanes rotate counterclockwise in the NorthernHemisphere.• Tropical Depression — A tropical hurricane with maximum sustained winds

of 38 mph (33 knots) or less.• Tropical Storm — A tropical hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 39

to 73 mph (34 to 63 knots).• Hurricane — A tropical hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph

(64 knots) or higher. In the western North Pacific, hurricanes are calledtyphoons; similar storms in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific Ocean arecalled cyclones.

• Major Hurricane — A tropical hurricane with maximum sustained windsof 111 mph (96 knots) or higher, corresponding to a Category 3, 4 or5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

A Post-Tropical Hurricane is a system that no longer possesses sufficient tropi-cal characteristics to be considered a tropical hurricane. They can still bringheavy rain and high winds.

– National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association

Protect against hurricane damage withroof coatings from The Paint Depot

� Count on the savvy staff to help you select the most trusted products �

Drive right up and park at the welcoming entrance to The PaintDepot in Al Cohen Plaza.

For more than 20 years, propri-etor Mike Perron and his team havebeen serving customers with prideat The Paint Depot. Without ques-tion, this aptly named enterpriseis the ‘go to’ destination for qual-ity paint and roof coatings.

During hurricane season, thetrusted professionals at The PaintDepot know customers’ mindsclearly are focused on preventingworn, leaky roofs from creating adisaster. With that concept in mind,Mike and his staff stand ready toshow you the most trusted prod-ucts in roof coatings, as well as theproper application.

Said Mike, “We have great pric-ing and great values.” He furtheremphasized the importance of ap-plying the proper amount of prod-uct based on square footage to en-sure optimal results. “Now is thetime to check your roof for poten-tial problems,” added Mike. He ad-vised that you or your contractorshould be on the lookout for tornseams, deterioration and other tell-tale signs such as mold that couldspell trouble.

Right now, Vulkem products arein the spotlight at The Paint De-pot. Mike explained that if your roofcollects drinking water, it is vitalto select roof coating products thatare stamped “NSF Approved” oneach bucket. “That’s all we sell,”said Mike. “We are very meticulousabout the safety of our product se-lections.”

Keep in mind that The Paint De-pot team offers free ‘on-site’ ser-

vices — meeting with contractors,homeowners, and condominiummanagers.

When it comes to residentialpainting projects, The Paint Depothas taken the concept of personal-ized customer service to a uniquelevel. The Paint Depot has literallythousands of customer files in itspaint department. Once you find thecolors of Martin Senour or Ben-jamin Moore paint you want, thatinformation remains on file. Howconvenient!

Said Mike, “New homeowners arealways amazed when they come into match colors. We ask them whothey bought their house from andonce we get that answer, the colorsare usually right here.”

Keep in mind that The Paint De-

pot is featuring Gennex — the pat-ented waterborne colorant system— from Benjamin Moore. The zero-VOC —Volatile Organic Compoundpaint delivers superior color per-formance while remaining environ-mentally friendly.

Also, be sure to ask about mil-dew-proof PermaWhite paint fromMartin Senour.

By the way, in addition to roofcoatings and paint for homes andbusinesses, you also will find qual-ity paint for automobiles at ThePaint Depot.

Hours of operation are daily from7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Satur-days until 2 p.m.

The Paint Depot is located in AlCohen Plaza at the top of RaphuneHill. Call 775-1466.

If Staying in a Home...• Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and

keep it closed.• Turn off utilities if told to do so by

authorities.• Turn off propane tanks.• Unplug small appliances.• Fill bathtub and large containers with

water in case clean tap water is un-available. Use water in bathtubs forcleaning and flushing only. Do NOTdrink it.

If Winds Become Strong...• Stay away from windows and doors,

even if they are covered. Take ref-uge in a small interior room, closetor hallway.

• Close all interior doors. Secure andbrace external doors.

• If you are in a two-story house, goto an interior first floor room.

• Lie on the floor under a table orother sturdy object.

Be Alert For...• The calm “eye” of the storm—it

may seem like the storm is over,but after the eye passes, thewinds will change direction andquickly return to hurricane force.

After the Storm ...• Wait until an area is declared safe

before entering.• Watch for closed roads. If you come

upon a barricade or a flooded road,Turn Around Don’t Drown!TM

• Stay on firm, dry ground. Movingwater only 6 inches deep can sweepyou off your feet. Standing watermay be electrically charged frompower lines.

• Never use a generator indoors.• Avoid weakened bridges and washed

out roads.• Check gas, water and electrical and

appliances for damage.• Use a flashlight to inspect damage.

Never use candles and other openflames indoors.

• Wear proper shoes to prevent cut-ting feet on sharp debris.

• Avoid electrocution by not walkingin areas with downed power lines.

Caribbean Battery’s familiar motto “Wan’na Start Sumptin” hasbeen used to promote the thriving local business for more than 37years. Once again, for 2016, the hard working team received theBlue Ribbon award for Best Auto Battery Company on St. Thomas.

Caribbean Battery serves the community with pride — providingbattery power for cars, boats, airplanes, motorcycles, trucks — andcomputers, too. But so much more than first meets the eye takesplace at this thriving enterprise.

Under the dynamic leadership of hardworking company presidentMaceo Butts — in addition to checking the life of your car batteryfree of charge — the skilled staff at Caribbean Battery is ready,willing, and able to do oil changes, brake work, or just about any-thing else to do with keeping your vehicle road worthy and safe. Infact, the place is an oasis of energy when it comes to completeauto restoration projects.

Anyone interested is welcome to stop by to check out the progressof the shop’s always intriguing restorations. Said Maceo, “We havepeople who come by just to ask us questions. That’s fine with us.We are happy to help.”

Hurricane or not, no one ever wants to be stuck with a deadbattery and Caribbean Battery is headquarters for everything to dowith batteries including Rescue portable battery packs. Be sure toask about SunnMaxx solar powered trickle chargers. “These are greatfor use on boats,” said Maceo. What a thoughtful gift!

Caribbean Battery continually expands its product lines and ser-vices to meet the growing needs of customers.

As an example, in its long and successful history, Caribbean Bat-tery has helped support businesses operating off the grid. “We haveseveral clients on places like St. John, such as Concordia, who havealways run independent of WAPA,” said Maceo.

Designing custom solar energy systems has become central tothe expansion of the business. With guidance and technical exper-tise from Maceo, today Caribbean Battery is headquarters for reli-able state-of-the-art solar energy systems and wind power.

Said Maceo, “We can create a hybrid system for any business orresidence,” he said, adding, “Ours does grid tie and battery backup.It’s rare to see systems like this — it’s usually one or the other.”

Masceo and the team will be happy to answer all your questionsabout power options.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to5:30 p.m.

For additional information, visit Caribbean Battery in LindberghBay or call 776-3780.

�Wan�na Start Sumptin� is the motto ataward-winning Caribbean Battery

� This thriving enterprise is an oasis of energy alternatives �

Award winning Caribbean Battery features top quality battery powerfor cars, boats, airplanes, motorcycles, trucks, and computers.

Also an antique auto specialtyshop, Caribbean Battery restoresclassic cars.

The familiar Caribbean Battery logo isprominently displayed on a number ofclassic company vehicles.

Because Family Insurance Agencyoperates as an independent insur-ance agency, the decidedly upbeat,caring and trustworthy people at thisaward winning enterprise representmany different companies. Thatmeans FIA is in the ideal position tofind coverage just right for yourneeds and budget. From homeand auto to business and life in-surance, FIA provides the high-est level of product knowledgeand customer service.

Said Vice President Sherri Charles-Rogers, “We may not be the largest— but we are ‘the best’ — your one-stop shop.” Sherri advised that FIAoffers everything except marine cov-erage. At FIA, you are welcome torequest an individualized assessmentof your business and personal insur-ance needs. “We want to thank ourmany loyal clients for their Best ofthe VI votes — and continued sup-port,” said Sherri

Taking a peek in to the company’searly history, it is intriguing to notethat she grew up in the insurancebusiness. Sherri’s father, Joseph M.Charles, was at one time a revereddriving instructor. With obvious pridein her voice, she explained, “Myfather opened the second drivingschool on the island.” With athoughtful smile, she added, “I think

Award winning Family Insurance Agency says,�We may not be the largest � but we are the Best�

� Visit the new and welcoming office complex at Royal Palms �

Sherri Charles-Rogers is VicePresident of FamilyInsurance Agency,proud to be aLloyd’s admittedcoverholder since1998.

A “Good Vibes Only” sign seems appropriately placed in the office settingat FIA where Vice President Sherri Charles-Rogers and Account ExecutiveCherry Stuart share a light moment.

he knew almost everyone on St.Thomas back then.”

Because her father also sold lifeinsurance part-time, Sherri was ex-posed to an entrepreneurial spirit andthe fundamentals of the business froman early age. “My dad took me to in-surance seminars from the time I was16-years-old,” she said.

Blessed with the skill and will tohelp others, Sherri and her fatheropened the doors to Family InsuranceAgency in July of 1989. However,when Hurricane Hugo ravaged the ter-ritory just two months later, her dadtook the reins while Sherri joined theAir Force, serving in Korea and Japan.Back home, Family Insurance Agencycontinued to serve the St. Thomas andSt. John communities. During thattime, Sherri worked as an administra-tor. “I developed a love for organiza-tion,” she recalled.

Upon her return home, Sherri at-tended and graduated from the Uni-versity of the Virgin Islands — sub-sequently taking her place, onceagain, in the family run business.

“We became a Lloyds admittedcoverholder in 1998,” Sherri said. “Wekeep up with the industry and itschanging needs.”

According to materials provided byFIA: “It’s our job to focus on givingyou the business insurance you need

to allow you to contribute to the lo-cal economy, and we do this with com-petitive rates and affordable packagesthat keep your business costs down.”

When it comes to auto insurance,as a member of the U.S. Virgin IslandsInsurance Association, FIA offers ba-sic required liability insurance — aswell as additional coverage to furtherprotect you and your vehicle.

Recently relocating to lovely newoffices in Royal Palms, Suite 107 —FIA has maintained a satellite loca-tion inside Caribbean Auto Mart for

the last two decades. “It’s an addedconvenience our Red Hook and St.John customers appreciate,” Sherrisaid, further commenting, “Youcan also take advantage of re-newal by phone.”

A firm believer in giving back tothe community, Sherri has been amember of Rotary for the last eightyears and currently serves as theclub’s treasurer.

For additional information, go towww.familyinsurance.vi, stop by thenew office complex or call 776-1906.

Consistently voted No. 1 Best SelfStorage on St. Thomas since 2007 byreaders of the Virgin Islands DailyNews, Fortress Self Storage has servedthe ever-growing, ever-changingneeds of Virgin Islanders with cour-tesy and respect for more than twodecades.

When it comes to first-rate secu-rity, the distinctive fenced in facility— with its welcoming logo — ismonitored by video surveillance cam-eras and an on-site manager 24-hoursa day. Customers have access to stor-age units seven days a week, 365 daysa year from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Now that it’s hurricane season, youcouldn’t find a better time to takestock of your possessions. Are closetsoverflowing with items rarely used?Is the patio cluttered with outdoorfurnishings? Could tools and equip-ment in the backyard become projec-tiles if hurricane-strength winds hitthe territory? Do you wish you had asafe place to park your car when trav-eling off-island for extended periods?The good news is Fortress Self Stor-age will be glad to assist you with avariety of storage options 365-days a

�Where you are always welcome� is thefitting motto at Fortress Self Storage

Rental manager Shirley Quetel-Hendricks is ‘Thefriendly face of Fortress Self Storage.’

year — with no long term commit-ments. As your needs change, you caneasily switch storage unit sizes.

Established initially as a clean, safeplace to store household goods andbusiness inventory, Fortress Self Stor-

age has evolved to offer warehousespace, mailbox services, small busi-ness rental spaces — even a gamingcenter.

Operations manager Ed Foerstel ad-vised that, over time, the Fortress Self

Storage neighborhood has expandedto include Paragon Medical Build-ing, Foothills and Royal Palm Pro-fessional Buildings — as well as thebrand new senior living complex. Inharmony with that growth, Ed em-phasized Fortress Mall providesafforable space for local entrepre-neurs to open shops, run restaurantsand operate office headquarters.

Said Ed, “Our month-to-monthrentals give businesses the chanceto get established or fulfill tempo-rary needs.”

Working quietly behind the scenes,Ed deflects the spotlight in favor ofthe loyal and knowledgeable staff.Specifically referencing rental man-ager Shirley Quetel-Hendricks, hesaid. “Shirley is the face of FortressSelf Storage.”

Focused on accommodating theneeds of each individual customer,Shirley will be pleased to discusswith you a wide range of month-to-month rental options. By the way,she also is a notary. And if you areinterested in learning about MASA— Medical Air Services Association— Shirley is an authorized repre-

In 2012, Superstorm Sandy caused thecatastrophic destruction of many residen-tial areas up and down the eastern sea-board. Just months later, much of thecountry experienced extreme temperatureswings, some as much as 40 degrees injust a few days.

The aftermath of drastic weather cansometimes result in property loss anddamage that may force families andtheir pets into new living situa-tions. Oftentimes, pets are not able

to make the move and are surren-dered to area shelters.

A struggling economy has also takenits toll on pets. According to HopeBrustein, the executive director at theGeauga Humane Society in Ohio, manyanimals are brought to shelters becauseowners have lost their jobs or homes andtight budgets can no longer support them.Those who have lost their homes and needto relocate may not be able to bring theirpets along.

The ASPCA estimates 5 to 7 million com-panion animals enter animal shelters na-tionwide every year.

Although the number of animals enter-ing shelters continues to rise, so do thenumber of adoptions. This is in part tothe publicity campaigns of many sheltersas well as the efforts of people communi-cating via social media. Animal adoptionannouncements are frequently posted onFacebook, and many shelters now havetheir own online presence to alert the pub-

lic to the plight of animals in the shel-ter. Petfinder.com remains one of thelargest databases of searchable petsavailable for adoption, boasting morethan 374,000 pets..

Parties interested in pet adoption areurged to visit their local shelters firstand inquire about the available animals.Some shelters will pay for shipmentof the animal, while others requireadoption candidates make their owntravel arrangements.

The number of pets surrendered after storms is growing

Consider all the possibilities in store for you atFortress Self Storage: secure storage units, mailbox

service, small business rental space and more

The “Fortressmobile”

is a moving reminder

of all the possibilities

in store for you at

Fortress Self Storage.

sentative for this vital air ambulancecoverage.

A firm believer in giving back tothe community, Shirley is a proud,longstanding member of the LionsClub. Currently, she also has RotaryClub of St. Thomas East Dining OutDiscount Booklets for sale.

Also, on display in the office youalso will find supplies for moving andstorage — from boxes to mattressprotectors. What a convenience!

If you are feeling lucky, why notstep in to Lucky Spot gaming room?You could be the next big winner.

Office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Monday through Saturday and Sundayfrom 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For additional information, go towww.fortressvi.com or call 776-3678.

Generators are not something peoplethink about on a daily basis. However, inthe wake of the powerful storms that havebattered the country in recent years, moreand more people have realized just howvaluable generators can be. Portable gen-erators as well as stationary standby gen-erators have become must-have items formany homeowners.

Portable GeneratorsMany portable generators provide tempo-

rary power by using a fossil-based fuel, typi-cally unleaded gasoline, and tend to rangein power from 500 watts to 17.5 kW. Themore expensive and larger the unit, the moreamperage it will be able to supply. In aportable generator, the motor is typicallyhoused on a metal frame with wheels tomove the generator where it is needed. Oncefired up, the generator converts the powerproduced by the motor into electrical cur-rent that can supply many of the devices ina home by way of extension cords pluggedinto the generator. A portable generator willonly run as long as it has fuel. Homeownersneed to frequently fill up the fuel tank ifthey plan to run the generator around theclock. Gassing up generators can be diffi-cult should a power outage also knock outpower to the fuel pumps at gas stations.Propane and natural gas generators are alsoavailable, although they may be more ex-pensive than gasoline-powered units.

Power generators maybe a good investment

Standby SystemGenerators

Standby generators can be expensive, butmany people find the cost of a standby genera-tor is well worth it to maintain power in theevent of an outage or emergency.

Hospitals and retail businesses often havestandby generators installed on their buildingsto automatically switch over to this powersource should the electrical grid go down.Homeowners are looking to these devices tooffer standby power as well.

While a portable generator may cost a fewhundred dollars, standby generators can costfrom a few thousand dollars to as much as$15,000 for larger units that can power muchof a household. Standby generators also requireinstallation by a professional electrician, add-ing to their overall cost.

A standby generator is like a heavy-duty carengine, complete with a radiator, gas tank andan alternator that generates power. The entiresetup is contained in a weather-proof box,which is connected to the main fuse box of thehome by a cable. When power is lost from theelectric wires outside of a home, the generatorsenses it and starts up, all he while blockingany power from the electric lines from the powerstation to prevent a feedback of power.

The standby generator is only hooked up tospecific fuses in the fuse box to run certainoutlets or appliances in the home. A standbygenerator will not supply power to all of theoutlets in a home.

AT&T is prepared to keep youconnected during hurricane season� AT&T is the only telecom company with a disaster response program certified by Homeland Security �

AT&T’s Network Disaster Recovery program includes hundreds of technol-ogy and equipment trailers that can be quickly deployed in the wake of adisaster. The AT&T NDR conducts field recovery exercises regularly as partof preparedness training.

No one knows when the nexttropical storm or hurricane willhit, but AT&T is prepared withone of the industry’s largest andmost advanced disaster pro-grams. The company has investedmore than $600 million in itsNetwork Disaster Recovery —NDR program — to make sure itsnetworks stay up and running.

AT&T’s NDR includes more than300 technology and equipmenttrailers, mobile cell sites, andemergency communications ve-hicles that can be quickly de-ployed. The company also moni-tors its networks 24/7 and con-ducts readiness drills and simu-lations year-round.”

AT&T is the only telecom com-pany to be re-certified under newinternational standards by theDepartment of Homeland Secu-

The AT&T Global Network Operations Center monitors AT&Tnetworks 24/7.

rity for its disaster preparednessprogram.”

To help you prepare for hurri-cane season as well, AT&T offersthe following tips:

Keep your mobile phone batterycharged. In case of a power out-age, have another way to chargeyour phone such as an extra bat-tery, car charger, or device-charg-ing accessory.

Consider purchasing an emer-gency phone. The SpareOne Emer-gency Phone features a flashlight,glow-in-the-dark keypad, a panicsiren, a SOS signal, and a Locate& Alert service.

Keep your mobile devices dry.To protect your devices from wa-ter damage during and after astorm, store them in a baggie orsome type of protective covering.

Have a family communications

plan. Choose someone out of thearea as a central contact. Makesure all family members know whoto contact if they get separated.

Program all of your emergencycontact numbers and e-mail ad-dresses into your mobile phone.Numbers should include the policedepartment, fire station and hos-pital.

Track the storm and accessweather information on your mo-bile device. Many homes losepower during severe weather. Ifyou have a working mobile devicewith Internet access, you canwatch local weather reports.

Keep in mind camera phones canprovide assistance when it comesto insurance claims. If you have acamera phone, take, store and sendphotos and video clips of damageto your insurance company.

Make use of location-basedtechnology. Services such as AT&TNavigator and AT&T FamilyMapcan help you find evacuationroutes, avoid traffic from stormdamage, and track a familymember’s wireless device if youget separated.

Try text messaging vs. calling.During an emergency situation,text messages may go throughmore quickly than voice calls be-cause they require fewer networkresources.

Keep social media activity andnon-emergency calls to a mini-mum. This will help prevent net-work congestion and allow foremergency communications to gothrough.

More information and tips for di-saster preparedness can be foundat www.att.com/vitalconnections.

Damage from Hurricane Earl in 2010

Now that it’s hurricane sea-son, this is the time to cuttrees, trim bushes and rid yourproperty of unwanted debris.The good news is, you can counton ABC Nursery and Landscap-ing to provide maintenance ofyour commercial and residentialproperties.

Proprietors Shelley and CliffBryan have been pleasing loyalpatrons for more than 30 yearswith quality products and ser-vices. Whether you have a smallbackyard, a sprawling estate oryou are looking for smallhouseplants to brighten yourliving space, you can count onABC Nursery and Landscaping.

According to votes cast byreaders of the Virgin IslandsDaily News for 2016, ABC Nurs-ery and Landscaping took adouble win for Best LandscapeDesign, and Best Garden Center.

ABC Nursery carries everythingfrom table-size waterfalls to ex-quisite water fountains for theback yard. What fascinating se-lections! At ABC, you will findceramic and concrete interiorand exterior pots as well as ul-tra durable fiberglass pots.

Blue Ribbon winnerABC Nursery and

Landscaping providesyard-clearing services

From lush plants, trees, and flowers togardening supplies, ABC has it all

At ABC Nursery and Landscaping you can select blossoms, plants,pots, waterfalls and dramatic figures to bring your garden to life.

Shelley and Cliff Bryan will be pleased to provide the proper maintenanceof commercial and residential properties — an invaluable service, particu-larly during hurricane season.

When it comes to the care andfeeding of the trees, plants, andflowers on your residential or com-mercial property, leave that vitaljob to the professionals who do itbest. ABC Nursery and Landscap-ing is available with custom land-scape designs and all-importantmaintenance of your grounds.

Over time, award winning Nurs-ery and Landscaping has evolvedfrom a celebrated landscape ser-vice to include a fully functioningnursery. The lush, welcoming com-plex offers dramatic oversized pot-tery, fascinating garden figures,trellises and visual delights of ev-ery size, shape and color.

Currently in stock, you will findeverything from tree saws and hy-droponic supplies to fruit trees,herbs, spices, organic fertilizersand soil.

ABC Nursery and Landscaping islocated at the old Wintberg Gar-dens just off route 39. Hours ofoperation are Monday through Fri-day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Satur-day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun-day from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For additional information or toarrange a free estimate, call 775-5080.

The moment you walk through the door to Marshall & Sterling, you are inthe company of people proud to serve you. Whether you are stopping by tomake a payment or an inquiry, the staff and management has a special wayof making you feel welcome and at ease.

Marshall and Sterling first established a presence in the Virgin Islands in1967 when they purchased a small insurance agency in Frederiksted. Steadygrowth combined with the acquisition of Young-Clark Agency in 1984 posi-tioned Marshall and Sterling as St. Croix’s largest agency.

An important aspect of Marshall & Sterling’s ongoing success is an ever-loyal customer base. In fact, for 2016, Marshall & Sterling was voted BestHome / Property Insurance, Best Corporate Sponsor, Best Customer ServiceTeam, Best Insurance Agency, and Best Auto Insurance. Every customer countsand you are invited to go online to see what customers are saying — or takethe two-minute customer satisfaction survey.

Reflecting back, after Hurricane Hugo hit in 1989, Marshall & Sterlinghandled over 6,000 claims and paid out more than five hundred milliondollars. From that experience, the firm developed disaster strategies thatallowed for Marshall & Sterling to begin paying claims within two weeksafter Hurricane Marilyn.

Today at Marshall & Sterling, the highly respected firm operates by themotto: ‘Our people are your best insurance.’ Employee ownership is a vitalfactor in the continued growth of this thriving operation.

Now that it’s hurricane season, be sure to check your insurance coverage.The friendly folks at Marshall & Sterling will be glad to assist you. St. CroixPresident John Harper urged that if you haven’t done so recently, it’s a goodidea to be sure you are not underinsured. Consider items such as increases inconstruction costs when determining coverage on your homeowner’s policy.

Marshall & Sterling suggests the purchase of sufficient insurance to re-build your home and replace all personal belongings. If you are renting,secure renter’s insurance to cover any losses of personal property.

Take photographs of your home; photograph and inventory valuables andother personal property inside the structure. Store important documentssuch as insurance policies, deeds and property records in a waterproof andfireproof container or, better still, at an off-island location.

Remember, the knowledgeable professionals at Marshall & Sterling are pre-pared to answer all your questions regarding homeowner’s insurance, life,health, medical, marine and auto coverage.

In addition to Gallows Bay headquarters, six years ago Marshall & Sterlingopened a second convenient location in Sunny Isle.

For more information go to www.marshallsterling.com/stcroix. Call the Gal-lows Bay office at 773-2170 or for Sunny Isle: 713-1101.

On St. Thomas and St. John, Theodore Tunick & Company operates as adivision of Marshall & Sterling with President Mark Robertson at the helm. Call776-7000.

Welcome to Marshall & Sterling in Gallows Bay picturedhere — or check out the convenient Sunny Isle location.

Marshall & Sterling providesaward-winning personalized service

� The firm operates by the motto: �Our people are your best insurance� �

A St. Thomas waterfront landmark, The Tunick Building is locatedon Beltjen Road — or visit offices at East End Plaza or TheMarketplace, St. John.

Of the 1,272 federal disas-ter declarations issued in thelast decade, more than halfwere classified as major di-sasters. These include ca-lamities such as floods, hur-ricanes and tropical storms,winter storms, and others. Inthe last 10 years, every state

What�s in your 21st-century survival kit?has had a least two eventsdesignated as a major federaldisaster.

“Most major disasters dis-placed hundreds or thousandsof people from home andwork, and nearly all involveda temporary or prolonged lossof major services and neces-

sities, including power, com-munications, and runningwater,” said Jonathan Ba-con, director of marketing atWilson Electronics, a makerof communications equip-ment in St. George, Utah.

“We began thinking aboutwhat has changed in tech-nology and society, and howthat would affect what wewould want to have in anemergency ‘go-pack’,” Baconsaid. “A lot of what we wouldtake with us hasn’t changed,but some of what we’d de-sire today had not been in-vented 10 years ago. Wecame up with 6 items thatwere either invented or radi-cally improved in the last 10years. We call it the 21stCentury Survival Kit.”1. Cell phone signal

booster: “We’re all ex-tremely dependent onsmartphones for voiceand data communica-tions. Already widely used

by first responders andnews crews when ini-tially entering disasterzones, the Sleek 4G, aportable cell phone sig-nal booster from WilsonElectronics, helps totransmit and receivecalls and data via celltowers unaffected by adisaster. In a severe situ-ation like HurricaneSandy where all commu-nications were compro-mised for several days,having a cell boostercould save precioushours of driving time tofind a strong cell signal.”

2. Batteries: Two portablelithium-ion batteries,each with a minimumcapacity of 10,000mAh,is enough for one batteryto fully charge at leastthree smartphones or topower a tablet, netbook,or cell booster for sev-eral hours.

3. Portable solar panel:“These solar panels weighonly about a pound andare very practical forcharging portable batter-ies and devices,” said Ba-con. He recommended apanel capable of produc-ing at least 10 Watts ofpower and one amp of cur-rent.

4. LED headlamp: Also pow-ered by rechargeable bat-teries, the latest genera-tion of these types oflamps have adjustablebrightness to maximizebattery life and can bemade bright enough tocast light more than 100feet.

5. Two-way FRS/GMRS ra-dios: “When even a Wil-son booster can’t find acell signal, these radiosprovide a communicationsrange up to 30 miles,” saidBacon.

6. Microbial filter straw:This is used for drinkingwater that may be con-taminated with bacteria,organic and waterbornechemicals, and otherharmful elements. One fil-ter straw can filter 30 gal-lons of water.

“A lot has happened just inthe last 10 years to make keep-ing in contact and avoidinghealth risks easier under ad-verse conditions,” said Bacon.All of these products are readilyavailable, weigh less than fivepounds total and take up littleroom in a backpack.

A cell phone signal booster can proveinvaluable in the event of an emergency.

Hurricane season is hereand it’s time to be sure yourproperty is fully protected.That includes protectionagainst the discomfort andpotential health hazardscreated when mosquitosfind their way into your liv-ing space.

Specializing in windowsand glass door screens, newscreens, re-screening andrepairs, Berry’s Screeninghas been providing thecommunity with qualityproducts and prompt, cour-teous, professional servicesince 2005. Satisfied cli-ents range from commercialenterprises to private resi-dences, hotels, vacationvillas and more — and nojob is too large or toosmall.

Owned and operated byAnn Berry, this warm andgracious proprietor proudlyadvised her right hand inthe thriving business is tal-ented son, Keith.

Once upon a time, Annworked for the governmentand then went back toschool, training as a nurse’sassistant. She also volun-teered at the hospital.

“At that time, back in2004, Keith had been work-ing in the screening busi-ness and we began talkingabout starting Berry ’sScreening,” recalled Ann.With a thoughtful smile,

Berry�s Screening provides first rateprotection against mosquitoes � and more� For 2016, the business won its 8th Best of the VI Blue Ribbon �

Posing by the distinctive company van, Keith Berry andhis mom, Ann, showcase the 8th Blue Ribbon awardpresented to Berry’s Screening.

she added, “We had a lot ofdiscussions.”

On September 20, 2005,it became official. Berry’sScreening was in businessand it has grown steadilyfrom day one. Obviously,Ann’s nurturing spirit andkeen business sense hasguided the company for-ward.

Keith has brought toBerry’s Screening not only aprofessional skill set and apersonable nature but inno-vative approaches. In fact,he created his own customwork table in the screenshop. “This table has madeit easier to do the bestwork,” Ann commented.“Making customers happy isvery important to us. We tryto please.”

She mentioned that

Berry’s Screening frequentlyreceives calls offering com-pliments about the productsand personalized servicereceived. “I always appre-ciate it when someonetakes the time to call andsay they are pleased. Itmakes me feel so good.”

This year, as in severalyears past, customers alsohave shown their apprecia-tion by voting Berry ’sScreening the Best of the VIon St. Thomas.

Whether you have tornscreens that need repair oryou want to screen in yourporch, Berry’s Screening isready to get to work for you.

In addition to brand newtop quality sliding screendoors, Berry’s Screeninghas window cranks anda l so whee l s fo r g la s s

doors. Pickup and deliveryis available for a reason-able fee. What a great con-venience for customers!

Said Ann, “We sincerelywant to thank our cus-

tomers for their contin-ued support. We trulyappreciate their votesof confidence.”

For more information,call 774-9377.

Home to the ‘Original VeggieBurger,’ Natural Food Groceryand Del has been a consistentBest of the VI winner since2002. For 2016, this invitingenterprise was voted No. 1 forBest Herbal Supplements, BestVegetarian Products, Best Or-ganic Food Market and BestVegetarian Burgers by readersof the Virgin Islands Dai lyNews.

Founded in 1975, NaturalFood Grocery and Deli contin-ues to evolve in harmony withthe ever-increasing popularityof organic and health orienteditems throughout our islandcommunity. Products designedto help keep you energized andbalanced — both physicallyand mentally — range fromfresh foods and snacks tosupplements, beauty items,natural insect repellants, andquality sunscreen, too.

Proprietor Sherrie Davis andthe professional staff also arekeenly aware that during hur-r icane season , cus tomers ’needs are focused on foods thatneed no refrigeration — includ-ing canned goods. With that inmind, at Natural Food Groceryand Deli you can stock up ontasty chili, organic soups —and don’t miss selections of nu-tritionally balanced gluten-freemeals in a box from Go Picnic.

Address hurricane stress the healthy wayat Natural Food Grocery and Deli

Proprietor Sherrie Davis of Natural Food Grocery and Deli

recommends homeopathic stress relief quick dissolve

tablets from Happy Camper.

To address s to rm seasonstress, it’s Natural Food Groceryand Deli to the rescue. Look forstress reducing teas and supple-ments inc luding Kava Kavawhite root vegetarian dietarysupplement from Happy Camper.

Also in the spotlight: Cup ofCalm tea, and Sleep Wellnesswith wild lettuce extract fromBio Nutrition.

Sherrie further advised thatwhen the storm passes, it’s vi-ta l l y impor tant to p ro tec t

against the sun’s powerful rays.Wait until you see the qualitysunscreen options on display.Name brands include Kiss MyFace, Alba, others.

When it comes to defendingagainst insects, check out thearray of product options includ-ing deet-free Buzz Away ex-treme insect repellant, Bug-A-Boo vanilla rosemary repellant,organic herb outdoor spray,Skeete r Beete r c i t rone l l acandles, organic citronella oiland more. By the way, AwesomeBug Repellant with lemongrassis made right here in the Vir-gin Islands by The Solid BarCompany.

If the bugs do get to you, it’ssmart to have sting and itch re-lievers from Natural Food Gro-cery and Deli on hand.

Don’t forget, your skin needsextra nurturing in stressfulsituations. Be sure to pick uprefreshing aloe gel, enrichingskin lotions, and body buttersas well as shampoos and con-ditioners.

Natural Food Grocery and Deliis located at Mandela Circle inLong Bay — with new productsarriving daily. While there,don’t forget to ask for your dis-count card.

For more information, go towww. fa cebook . com/Natu ra lFoodGroceryVI or call 775-3737.

Shop at Natural Food Grocery and Deli for stress relievingteas and supplements � meal kits and canned goods, too

Welcome to Natural Food Grocery and Deli, a

consistent Best of the VI winner since 2002.

At Natural

Food

Grocery and

Deli, check

out the wide

range of

foods that

need no

refrigeration.

Especially during hurricane season,

bug spray is an island essential and

Natural Food Grocery and Deli offers

many deet-free options.

An explanation of hurricanewatches and warnings

– National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association

Congratulations to Ocia andBrent Gumbs, co-CEOs of PersonalTouch Insurance. Best of the VIWinners, the husband and wifeteam proudly represent MidlandNational, a top insurance companyoffering whole and term life insur-ance coverage; MASA International— Medical Air Services Associa-tion; and American Family LifeAssurance Company. Better knownas AFLAC, it is the largest providerof supplemental insurance in theUnited States.

Founded in 1955, AFLAC is per-haps best known for payroll deduc-tion insurance coverage which payscash benefits when a policyholderhas a covered accident or illness.In the year 2000, TV viewers metthe AFLAC Duck. Commercials star-ring the creative quackier helpedmake AFLAC a household name.Today, AFLAC provides financialprotection to more than 50 mil-lion people worldwide.

Here on St. Thomas, PersonalTouch Insurance displays an im-pressive number of awards andplaques, including many fromAFLAC. “We hold many top honors

Personal Touch Insurance offers awardwinning AFLAC coverage � and so much more� Count on Ocia and Brent Gumbs and the knowledgeable staff to assist you �

and are the only firm in the VI toqualify twice for AFLAC President’sClub,” said Ocia.

Locally, readers of the Virgin Is-lands Daily News voted AFLAC BestSupplemental Insurance on St. Tho-mas and St. John for 2015 and 2016.

Said Brent, “Our approach is notto change coverage you have but tocomplement it, giving you completepeace of mind. I would say 95-per-cent of employees believe they havemaximum benefits — and it’s justnot the case.”

Personal Touch Insurance is proud to represent AFLACsupplemental insurance � offering help when you need it most

Whether dental, vision, short termdisability or other coverage is onyour mind, Personal Touch has an-swers. Ocia emphasized the advan-tages of catastrophic coverage toaddress cancer, heart attack, strokeor other disabling circumstances.“We have exciting new diabetic cov-erage,” said Ocia. She further ad-vised AFLAC now offers One Day Paywith direct deposit.

Personal Touch Insurance meetswith clients at a time and place oftheir choosing. “We partner with our

clients to help them. We appreci-ate it when they tell their familyand friends about us,” said Brent.The firm participates in localhealth fairs and does presentationsat entrepreneurial symposiums,churches, clubs and organizations.

“Our knowledgeable employeeswill assist you if we are not im-mediately available,” said Ocia.

Brent and Ocia first met whilestudying at the University of theVirgins Islands and married 1999.The couple diligently researchedentrepreneurial opportunities. “Weknew we both loved helpingpeople,” said Ocia. Brent added,“We found the right niche.” Ociathen commented, “We are verythankful,”

When not hard at work, thecouple enjoys spending time withtheir two children — an eight-year-old daughter and six-year-oldson. “They are both very good salespeople,” Ocia said with a smile.

Now in its 14th year, PersonalTouch relocated to the secondlevel of Petrus Plaza two yearsago. The complex offers a handyelevator. Call 776-2396.

• First-aid kit• Medicine, prescriptions• Baby food and diapers• Games, books, music players with headphones

What to Bring to a Shelter• Toiletries• Battery-powered radio and cell phone• Flashlights• Extra batteries

• A blanket or sleeping bag for each person• Identification• Copies of key papers such as insurance policies• Cash, credit card