With the start of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season now less than one week
away, the Office of Disaster Management (ODM), which falls
under the Fire Department within the Ministry of General
Affairs, is urging residents and businesses located in coastal
and flood-prone areas to review and finalize their emergency
preparedness plans ahead of the six-month hurricane
season.
Early preparation is essential to stay safe during the season.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) in its most recent forecast says up to 14-named
storms could form, and of those six (6) could become
hurricanes, including up to three major hurricanes (category
3, 4, or 5) with winds of 111 miles per hour or higher.
ODM is particularly appealing to residents living along the
country’s coastline and in low-lying flood-prone districts to
ensure they are fully prepared for the potential impacts of
tropical storms and hurricanes, including storm surge
flooding, strong winds, and coastal erosion.
Those who have not yet made preparations are strongly
encouraged to do so immediately and not wait until a storm
threatens the country.
Coastal residents and businesses located near beaches and
vulnerable shorelines are advised to have plans in place for
possible storm surge inundation associated with hurricanes
passing near or along the southern coast of Sint Maarten.
Coastal communities remain vulnerable to various hazards,
including flooding from storm surge, high winds, and erosion
of beaches and shorelines.
Areas identified as particularly vulnerable include Beacon
Hill, the vicinity of the Princess Juliana International Airport
Road connection to Beacon Hill, Simpson Bay Beach, Pelican,
Philipsburg, the Great Bay Beach/Boardwalk area, Point
Blanche, Oyster Pond/Dawn Beach, and Guana Bay.
ODM advises homeowners in these areas to secure personal
belongings and move valuable items to upper levels of their
homes or businesses in the event of a storm threat.
Residents who do not plan to remain in their homes during a
hurricane are urged to make alternative arrangements well
in advance regarding where they and their families will
shelter safely.
The Office of Disaster Management strongly emphasizes that
residents should never wait until the last moment to
evacuate. Evacuation decisions should be made at least 24
hours before the arrival of hurricane-force conditions, as
emergency personnel and first responders are unable to
conduct rescue operations during dangerous weather
conditions. Rising storm surge waters can also quickly flood
coastal roads, limiting the ability to leave affected areas
safely.
ODM reminds the public that personal preparedness is the
most important link in reducing disaster risk and protecting
lives and property. Residents are encouraged to prepare
emergency supply kits that include essential items such as
bottled water, canned food, a battery-powered radio, spare
batteries, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, medications,
bedding, house keys, cash, identification documents,
insurance papers, mobile phones, and extra clothing.
Additionally, before evacuating, residents should remember
to turn off utilities such as water and gas where possible and
ensure all important documents are secured in waterproof
containers.
ODM continues to encourage the community to remain
vigilant, stay informed, and take all necessary steps now to
protect families, homes, and businesses before the hurricane
season officially begins on June 1.
For general information about preparing prior to a
storm/hurricane strike, visit the Government website:
www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able
to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and
“Hurricane Tracking Chart.”