Richardson: Remain Vigilant. It's Your Personal Responsibility to Be Prepared this Hurricane Season!

Fire Chief and National Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson, is once again appealing to the community of Sint Maarten to be prepared as the country is now in the peak period of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. At this point in time, Hurricane Larry, the 12th named storm system of the season, is located in the far Atlantic Ocean. Larry is expected to become a major hurricane by Friday night. According to the Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten (MDS), on its current forecast track, Larry does not pose a direct threat to the country, and MDS will continue to monitor this system and update the public accordingly. Richardson is calling on the community to use the time now to re-check storm preparations and to be prepared for the remaining months of the 2021 hurricane season. Richardson added that it?s no time to become complacent. Every household and business operation have a personal responsibility to make sure they are storm ready by cleaning-up yards and surroundings of any debris that could blow away in the event of a storm/hurricane. Remember, it only takes one to make it a bad season. The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) reminds residents and business owners to have plans in place for quick action - storm ready! Contractors and builders are requested to review storm/hurricane preparatory plans for construction/building sites. The ODM is urging residents to check hurricane shutters and the roof of their home or business, and to make sure windows and shutters close securely. Mariners who are seeking shelter in the Simpson Bay Lagoon or Oyster Pond should also make plans to stay with friends or at a hotel once they have secured their vessel in a timely manner rather than staying on-board the vessel to ride out the passing of a storm. Managers of warehouse storage facilities and depots should also double check storm preparatory plans to make sure their building and its surroundings are ready for quick action in event of a storm/hurricane threatening the country. 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'. Listen to the Government Radio station - 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. For official weather-related information, check out the website of the Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or via www.facebook.com/sxmweather The remaining names for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season are: Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor and Wanda. Source: sintmaartengov.org