PHILIPSBURG — The Government has released the names of shelters for the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season where the community can go for protection when devastating and powerful hurricane winds pose a threat to the country.
The opening of the hurricane shelters would be announced prior to a direct hit on Government’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sxmgov, Government’s website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane;, on the Government radio station SXMGOV Radio 107.9 FM and via other media organizations.
The main shelters of comprising of eight (8), designed to be used as hurricane shelters (and for recreational use), are:
* Dutch Quarter Community Center – Dacca Road/Zorg en Rust, Dutch Quarter
* Belvedere Community Center – Belvedere Estate Road Lower Prince’s Quarter
* Rupert Maynard Community Center – St. Peters Road, St. Peters Cul de Sac
* National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA) – Bobcat Road, Cay Hill, Little Bay
* Simpson Bay Community Center – St. Modesta Road Simpson bay
* John Larmonie Center – Long Wall Road Philipsburg
* Genevieve de Weever School – The Hope Estate Road Upper Prince’s Quarter
* Little League Ball Park – Soualiga Road Philipsburg
Then there are the recovery shelters comprising of five (5), to be used as a shelter after the hurricane.
* St. Maarten Academy Gym Hall – Cupper Drive Cul de Sac
* Milton Peters College Gym Hall – L.B. Scott Road, South Reward Cul de Sac
* Sister Marie Laurence School Gym Hall – Ellis Drive, Middle Region Lower Prince’s Quarter
* Melford Hazel Sports Center – Soualiga Road Philipsburg
* L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium – Long Wall Road Philipsburg
The community is asked to take heed to the hurricane shelter rules and procedures.
Shelters will be manned by law enforcement and/or military officials in order to guarantee order and the smooth operation within the facility.
Prior to leaving your home, make sure everything is secure and you’ve packed all the essentials that you will need.
Please take note of the shelter guidelines and keep them handy as part of your Disaster Supply Kit:
* PACK ONLY ESSENTIALS – Persons utilizing a shelter are not allowed to carry certain items with them, only the essentials. Pack enough water and food for up to three days. It is also advisable to take a first aid kit to the shelter with you along with prescription medications. Special items for elderly or disabled family members.
* BABY & CHILDREN REQUIREMENTS – If you have a baby, remember to pack enough diapers, formula and bottles to last at least three days. Take playing cards, games and toys to keep children, and yourself, occupied. Pack a set of clean clothes and bedding (pillow, sheets).
* FOOD ETC. – Carry a can opener; a few cans of non-perishable food; special items for elderly or disabled family members; battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries; cash/credit cards; passport and other important papers (insurance papers). There is no need to bring cooking equipment or furniture to a shelter.
* ALCOHOL/WEAPONS/SMOKING – Alcoholic beverages and weapons are not allowed in shelters. Smoking is also not allowed.
* PETS – Shelters do not accept pets. You should make arrangements beforehand to have your untied pets secured in a room at your home, with sufficient water, and food for at least three days. Do not leave dogs and cats in the same room.
It is strongly recommended to bring portable electronic devices — such as phones, tablets and battery packs — fully charged as there are limited outlets for recharging at evacuation centers.
