News Release
 
Written by Roddy Heyliger, Government Information Service (GIS), 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, June 11, 2008/N088
 
ODMP Coordinator Salomon announces disaster office theme for hurricane season

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness (ODMP) Disaster Coordinator Winston Salomon, has announced the office’s theme for the 2008 Hurricane Season, “It only takes one, be prepared!“ 

There is no substitute for individual preparedness when it comes to the safety of individuals and their families.

Preparedness is a personal responsibility and not only that of government.  Individuals and families should prepare emergency supply kits with food, water, battery operated radios and medicines.  Make sure that your home has been checked to see if any necessary repairs are needed and that your storm shutters are functioning well.

The first tropical storm of the season, Arthur, which formed on May 31, has left five confirmed dead and two persons are reportedly still missing in Belize.  This is testament that the hurricane season is here.

Tropical storm Arthur immediately made landfall in Northern Belize dumping approximately 15 inches of rain across the country causing flooding in low lying areas.  Initial damage assessment reports according to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) have indicated that a number of houses have been destroyed, damaged or submerged and approximately 16,000 persons have been affected countrywide.  

Disaster Coordinator Salomon added that the very first response to any hurricane lies with each individual and each family and each business which is going to experience a hurricane strike.  

“It’s about planning and preparation before the storm.  Not a day before, but at the beginning of every season you should have everything in place.  If you have not done this as yet, do so now. 

“If you have done what you need to do to make sure you are well equipped and prepared to deal with a hurricane strike, we have done our job,” Disaster Coordinator Winston Salomon told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Wednesday.

The 2008 hurricane season officially started on June 1 and runs through November 30.

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Roddy Heyliger
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)