St. Maarten Private Eye

News Release

Written by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service (GIS), Dept. Head Erno Labega, Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, St. Maarten D.W.I. Tel. 00-599-543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis@sintmaarten.net;

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 15, 2007/N144

Tropical Storm Dean shifts more Southerly, but residents urged to continue to monitor the storms progress

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported on Tuesday that Tropical Storm (TS) Dean continues to strengthen and that the residents of the Eastern Caribbean islands should continue to monitor the system as the storm moves towards the Eastern Caribbean island chain.

TS Dean based on Tuesday weather advisories has taken a more Southerly tracking which would keep it further away from St. Maarten as it makes its way through the Caribbean island chain some time on Friday or Saturday.

The Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness (ODMP) encourages residents to continue to monitor the progress of the tropical storm system which has been intensifying.

TS Dean will be closely monitored by the ODMP and if required, advisories will be issued in a timely manner to the media regarding what measures should be taken if the system was to change course and possibly pose a threat to the island of St. Maarten.

TS Erin has also formed making it the fifth named storm for the season and is located in the Gulf of Mexico off Texas.

As we approach the busy part of the hurricane season which runs from August 15 to October 15, residents are advised to make sure that they have already taken certain steps to protect life and property.

On Thursday evening August 16, a Government Information Service (GIS) Hurricane Special will be aired at 6.00pm on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 15 entitled, “What You Need to Know.”

The first step of storm/hurricane preparedness is ensuring that you are adequately informed. For new residents, start by learning about storms/hurricanes, and how they can affect the island and how to prepare.

Learn the location of public shelters. Determine how safe is your area and inquire about flooding of low lying areas. Devise a hurricane preparedness plan. Decide from the onset where you will go if your house isn’t safe. Make sure the house you choose to shelter in is well constructed.

Persons living in dwellings, whose structure may not be of the quality of the house constructed out of concrete, should make alternative arrangements in the event of a hurricane threat.

If you own a boat, decide where to store it in the event of an emergency. Most importantly, ensure that your home and property insurance are up to date.

Trim deadwood from trees and cut back overhanging branches. Check and repair loose gutters around the roof and downspouts. Check and repair loose or damaged roofing; install hurricane roof straps if you do not already have them installed.

Check your hurricane shutters or plywood covers and the tools you need to install them. Practice installing them. Stock up on plywood if necessary. Get it measured, cut and labeled for each opening if you do not have shutters.

Stock up on hurricane supplies. Begin collecting enough non-perishable food, water, first aid, and other survival supplies to last each person for the first three days after the passing of a hurricane and up to a week. To diffuse cost, the items can be purchased a little at a time by picking up some extras with each trip to the supermarket.

Do not forget to stock up on any prescription medication your family may need, especially items for the young and elderly. During the hurricane season keep your vehicle’s gas tank more than half full at all times.

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Roddy Heyliger

St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)