Office of Disaster Management (ODM), is calling on the Sint Maarten community to begin to prepare timely for the Atlantic hurricane season, and to have the necessary plans in place by June 1st, the start of the 2014 season.
Colorado State University (CSU) hurricane team Phil Klotzbach and William Gray have forecasted in their April report a below average number of storms systems to form during the hurricane season.
CSU forecast nine named storms, three hurricanes and one major hurricane with over 111 miles per hour winds. The forecast is well below the long-term average of 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes each season.
Even though the official start of the season is over two weeks away, ODM is urging residents to use this period to prepare themselves adequately by reviewing their annual hurricane season preparatory list.
ODM adds that the country’s disaster preparedness and emergency management mechanisms are expected to be ready to deal with any eventuality arising during the 2014 Atlantic hurricane season.
“As we do for every hurricane season, preparing for a storm strike is necessary. Remember it only takes one to make it a bad hurricane season. Even though the forecast for the season calls for less storm/hurricane activity, every household and business should still take the necessary precautions by preparing, because it only takes one hurricane strike to make it a bad season.
“Check your disaster plan and review your disaster supply kit. Prepare early and avoid being caught unprepared. Minimize your dependence on government, family or friends. Preparedness starts with every one of us within our communities,” ODM reminds the populace in a Wednesday statement.
Some of the preparations that should be carried out now are checking hurricane shutters and the roof of your home or business, and to make sure windows and shutters close securely.
Persons living along coastal areas as well as those in flood prone areas should start looking at what measures they would take in the event of a hurricane which could cause flood challenges.
The 2014 hurricane season officially runs through November 30 and begins June 1st.
