Hurricane Irma changed the look of Cole Bay with her heavy winds last year. (File photo)
CAY HILL--“Remember, it only takes one” is the theme of the Fire Department/Office of Disaster Management (ODM) for the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season. The organisations call on the community to begin to prepare in a timely manner for the Atlantic hurricane season which begins on June 1, only 11 days away.
“Researchers in their April forecast predict a slightly-above-average season, with 14 named tropical storm systems of which seven are expected to become hurricanes, and three of those are expected to be major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher, with wind speeds reaching a minimum of 111 miles per hour,” said the organisations on Sunday in a press release.
They advise having home and business disaster plans in place before the peak period of the season, which is from August to October. Preliminary forecasts have already indicated that we could be in for another busy hurricane season and the season ends on November 30.
“Use the next few weeks to prepare adequately by reviewing their annual hurricane season preparatory list. The country’s disaster preparedness and emergency management mechanisms will be ready to deal with any eventuality arising during the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season.
“Country Sint Maarten is in recovery mode since the passing of major Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017. Recovery and reconstruction will continue throughout the country for the coming months and years, and therefore, homeowners and business operators must include in their rebuilding efforts a hurricane season preparatory plan,” said ODM.
“There is no room for complacency. As we do for every hurricane season, preparing for a storm strike is necessary. Every household and business should take the necessary precautions by preparing, because it only takes one hurricane strike to make it a bad season. Our country has had this experience only eight months ago.
“Under three weeks’ time, we enter another hurricane season. Starting now to be prepared for the upcoming season gives you time to be ready for the peak period of the season which is from mid-August to mid-October.”
It added that residents should check their disaster plan and review their disaster supply kit, prepare early and avoid being caught unprepared, and minimise dependence on government, family or friends. Some of the preparations that should be carried out now are checking hurricane shutters and the roofs of homes or businesses, and making sure windows and shutters close securely.
Persons living along coastal areas and those in flood-prone areas should start looking at what measures they would take in the event of a hurricane strike which could cause flood challenges. Mariners who are seeking shelter in Simpson Bay Lagoon or Oyster Pond should also make plans to stay with friends or at a hotel until the storm has passed rather than staying on-board their vessel.
The 2017 season had a total of 17 named storms, with 10 becoming hurricane and six of those developing into major hurricanes that included Harvey, Irma and Maria. The storm names selected by the World Meteorological Organisation for the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season are Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie, and William.
