The Fire Department, in collaboration with the Office of Disaster Management (ODM), is calling on residents, businesses, and outdoor workers to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions as Sint Maarten experiences the annual Caribbean Heat Season, which runs from May through October.
According to the Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten (MDS), heat waves in the Caribbean are more common during August and September, making it particularly important for residents to take steps to protect themselves, family members, co-workers, and pets from prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
High temperatures combined with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other heat-related illnesses. Persons working or exercising outdoors may face an increased risk, particularly during the hottest hours of the day.
The Fire Department and ODM are therefore encouraging the community to take heat conditions seriously and make appropriate adjustments to daily activities.
Residents should minimize exposure to direct sunlight and, where possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. Outdoor workers should take regular breaks in shaded or cooler areas and adjust work schedules and activities where possible to reduce prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
Members of the public are encouraged to: Drink water regularly throughout the day and do not wait until you feel thirsty to hydrate; Avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest hours; Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing; Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella when outdoors; and apply sunscreen when exposed to direct sunlight.
Take frequent breaks in shaded, air-conditioned or well-ventilated areas; Reduce strenuous physical activity during periods of intense heat; and Monitor weather information and heat-related advisories issued by the relevant authorities.
The Fire Department emphasizes that children, older adults, persons with disabilities, or anyone unable to exit a vehicle independently should never be left unattended inside a parked car or truck, even for a short period. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can rise rapidly and become life-threatening.
Residents should also be aware of the signs of heat-related illness, which may include excessive sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, confusion, fainting, and an unusually high body temperature.
Anyone displaying severe symptoms, including confusion, loss of consciousness or very high body temperature, may be experiencing a medical emergency and should receive immediate medical attention.
Residents are encouraged to regularly check on family members, neighbours, friends and colleagues who may be more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. Special attention should be given to older adults, young children, pregnant women, persons who are ill, persons with chronic medical conditions, and individuals who work for extended periods outdoors.
Employers whose personnel work outdoors should also ensure that workers have adequate access to drinking water, shade, appropriate rest periods and opportunities to cool down.
Pet owners are reminded that animals can also suffer from heat stress and heat-related illness. Pets should never be left unattended inside a parked vehicle. Owners should ensure that animals have continuous access to clean drinking water and adequate shade and should avoid exercising pets during the hottest part of the day.
Hot asphalt, concrete and other surfaces can also burn an animal’s paws. Pet owners should therefore check surface temperatures and, where possible, walk their pets during the cooler early morning or evening hours.
Indoor pets, including birds and fish, should be kept away from direct sunlight and excessively hot windows.
Signs of heat stress in pets may include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, difficulty breathing, unusual tiredness, disorientation or reluctance to move. Pet owners who suspect that an animal is suffering from heat-related illness should move the animal to a cooler environment and seek veterinary assistance.
The Fire Department and ODM remind the community that heat safety is a shared responsibility. Residents should remain aware of their own physical condition while also looking out for family members, neighbours, friends, colleagues and pets.
Planning daily activities around weather conditions, remaining properly hydrated and recognizing the early signs of heat-related illness can prevent serious health consequences.
The public is encouraged to continue monitoring official weather information from the Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten throughout the Caribbean Heat Season.
For health or medical emergencies, call 911. In the event of a fire or other fire-related emergency, call 919.
Stay Cool. Stay Hydrated. Stay Safe!
