CAY HILL–Make sure yards and business premises are cleared of all debris and any item that could pose a threat to lives and property in the event of a tropical storm or hurricane, says National Disaster Management Coordinator Fire Chief Clive Richardson as the Atlantic starts to churn with weather systems, including Tropical Storm Florence.
“It’s a personal responsibility to make sure that you comply with the aforementioned advice,” Richardson said in a press statement on Monday. “We are in the peak of the hurricane season and all residents should be prepared to take action if required to do so.”
He called on residents and businesses to trim tree branches and cut all dead or weak branches around premises.
Residents whose homes are not yet storm/hurricane ready should make alternative arrangements to stay at family, friends or other housing arrangements. “Remember to use the time now to plan and be prepared,” said Richardson.
He urged residents and businesses to have an action list of measures to ensure homes and businesses are storm-ready and to safeguard belongings. A back-up plan must also be in place in the event of voluntary or involuntary evacuation prior to the passing of a storm/hurricane.
A disaster supply kit (DSK) is an essential part of being storm-ready. This kit must have supplies for up to seven days after a storm clears the local area. A hurricane could leave the country without water and electricity for several days, making it “very important” to have a minimum of one week of supplies for each person in the household.
The kit must contain non-perishable food, water and medicine (fill prescriptions before storm), baby essentials (if one is part of the household), non-electric can-opener; first-aid kit, extra cash (ATM machines and credit cards will not work without electricity), battery-powered radio and flashlights, and extra batteries.
All important documents, including identification cards, passports, drivers’ licences and home and health insurance papers must be secured in a waterproof bag. Home and business owners should double-check that insurance policies are up to date and properties are covered for the correct replacement value to prevent under-insurance issues.
Mobile phones must all be charged and all vehicles’ tanks filled with fuel prior to the weather event.
For official weather and government-related disaster/hurricane information, residents are advised by government to visit
www.meteosxm.com ,
www.sintmaartengov.org ,
Facebook.com/SXMGOV) ,
or tune into Government Radio 107.9 FM.
The 2018 hurricane season officially runs through November 30.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/80255-fire-chief-ensure-yards-are-cleaned-of-debris
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