- SxmDCOMM - ODM monitoring Tropical Depression #7 east of the Caribbean islands |
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News Release Late Friday afternoon TD#7 was approximately 500 miles east of the Windward Islands and moving quickly at 24 miles per hour to the West; wind speeds are 35 miles per hour. TD#7 could become Tropical Storm Gordon before reaching the Lesser Antilles.? The Depression will approach the Windward and Leeward Islands on Saturday. A number of Caribbean islands have issued tropical storm watches for their populations, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Dominica, Martinique and Guadeloupe. A Tropical Storm Watch for the aforementioned islands means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area within 24 to 48 hours. # # #
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE News Release ? Department of Communication (DCOMM), Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, Sint Maarten W.I. Tel. +1 721 543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis at sintmaarten.net; Website: www.sintmaartengov.org ? For Immediate Release: Friday, August 10, 2012/N210 ? ODM monitoring Tropical Depression #7 east of the Caribbean islands ? GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) ? The Department of Disaster Management (ODM) is monitoring the progress of Tropical Depression #7 (TD#7). Late Friday afternoon TD#7 was approximately 500 miles east of the Windward Islands and moving quickly at 24 miles per hour to the West; wind speeds are 35 miles per hour. TD#7 could become Tropical Storm Gordon before reaching the Lesser Antilles. The Depression will approach the Windward and Leeward Islands on Saturday. A number of Caribbean islands have issued tropical storm watches for their populations, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Dominica, Martinique and Guadeloupe. A Tropical Storm Watch for the aforementioned islands means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area within 24 to 48 hours. # # # ? Roddy Heyliger (Email/Blackberry: roddyheyliger at gmail.com, roddy.heyliger at sintmaartengov.org; Cells: +1 721 581-6323, 520-4217) Department of Communication (DCOMM), Sint Maarten |
- SxmDCOMM - ODM closely monitoring weather system east of the Caribbean islands |
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News Release TD#5 is expected to become Tropical Storm Ernesto on Thursday and a number of Caribbean islands have issued tropical storm watches for their populations, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Martinique and Guadeloupe. A Tropical Storm Watch for the aforementioned islands means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area within 48 hours. Early Thursday evening TD#5 was approximately 700 miles east of the Windward Islands. The National Hurricane Center in Miami, has requested interests in the Lesser Antilles to monitor the progress of this system. # # #
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE News Release ? Department of Communication (DCOMM), Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, Sint Maarten W.I. Tel. +1 721 543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis at sintmaarten.net; Website: www.sintmaartengov.org ? For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 01, 2012/N193 ? ODM closely monitoring weather system east of the Caribbean islands ? GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) ? The Department of Disaster Management (ODM) is closely monitoring the progress of a low pressure system which was upgraded Thursday afternoon to Tropical Depression #5 (TD#5). TD#5 is expected to become Tropical Storm Ernesto on Thursday and a number of Caribbean islands have issued tropical storm watches for their populations, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Martinique and Guadeloupe. A Tropical Storm Watch for the aforementioned islands means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area within 48 hours. Early Thursday evening TD#5 was approximately 700 miles east of the Windward Islands. The National Hurricane Center in Miami, has requested interests in the Lesser Antilles to monitor the progress of this system. # # # ? Roddy Heyliger (Email/Blackberry: roddyheyliger at gmail.com, roddy.heyliger at sintmaartengov.org; Cells: +1 721 581-6323, 520-4217) Department of Communication (DCOMM), Sint Maarten |
- SxmDCOMM - Radio Announcement - Heavy Rainfall Watch Discontinued; Precautionary Statement is in Force ? drive with caution |
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News Release The public and motorists are advised to be vigilant and to drive with caution if any heavy rainfall does occur. # # #
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE News Release ? Department of Communication (DCOMM), Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, Sint Maarten D.W.I. Tel. +1 721 543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis at sintmaarten.net; Website: www.sintmaartengov.org ? For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 31, 2012/N190-5.45pm RADIO ANNOUNCEMENT ? Heavy Rainfall Watch Discontinued; Precautionary Statement is in Force ? drive with caution ? GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) ? The Department of Disaster Management has been informed by the Meteorological Department of Curacao that the heavy rainfall watch has been discontinued. A precautionary statement has been issued by the aforementioned Meteo Dept. and is now in force. The public and motorists are advised to be vigilant and to drive with caution if any heavy rainfall does occur. # # # ? Roddy Heyliger (Email/Blackberry: roddyheyliger at gmail.com, roddy.heyliger at sintmaartengov.org; Cell: +1 721 520-4217, 581-6323) Department of Communication (DCOMM), Sint Maarten |
- SxmDCOMM - URGENT Radio Announcement - Country under Heavy Rainfall Watch until 3.00PM Tuesday |
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News Release Heavy rainfall and/or thunder showers are forecasted to continue to impact the weather as a Tropical Wave moves through the islands. The heavy rainfall watch is in effect until Tuesday, 3.00PM, according to Meteorological Department of Curacao. Motorists are advised to exercise caution while driving in low lying areas which could flood ? street flooding - due to heavy and persistent rainfall.? Motorists driving near hillsides are also asked to exercise caution with respect to possible rock falls. Drivers and individuals who do not need to be on the road should remain at home until weather conditions improve. Emergency first responders such as Fire Department, Police and Ambulance services are monitoring the situation and prepared to respond to any emergencies. A team from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, continue to closely monitor the situation and are prepared to take the necessary measures should the need arise with respect to the road network system. # # #
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE News Release ? Department of Communication (DCOMM), Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, Sint Maarten D.W.I. Tel. +1 721 543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis at sintmaarten.net; Website: www.sintmaartengov.org ? For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 31, 2012/N188-11.45am RADIO ANNOUNCEMENT ? Country under Heavy Rainfall Watch; Drivers cautioned about: possible flooding in low lying areas; and rock falls due to persistent rainfall ? drive with caution ? GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) ? The Department of Disaster Management informs the general public that a heavy rainfall watch is in effect. Heavy rainfall and/or thunder showers are forecasted to continue to impact the weather as a Tropical Wave moves through the islands. The heavy rainfall watch is in effect until Tuesday, 3.00PM, according to Meteorological Department of Curacao. Motorists are advised to exercise caution while driving in low lying areas which could flood ? street flooding - due to heavy and persistent rainfall. Motorists driving near hillsides are also asked to exercise caution with respect to possible rock falls. Drivers and individuals who do not need to be on the road should remain at home until weather conditions improve. Emergency first responders such as Fire Department, Police and Ambulance services are monitoring the situation and prepared to respond to any emergencies. A team from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, continue to closely monitor the situation and are prepared to take the necessary measures should the need arise with respect to the road network system. # # # ? Roddy Heyliger (Email/Blackberry: roddyheyliger at gmail.com, roddy.heyliger at sintmaartengov.org; Cell: +1 721 520-4217, 581-6323) Department of Communication (DCOMM), Sint Maarten |
- SxmDCOMM - URGENT Radio Announcement - Country under Heavy Rainfall Advisory until 12.00PM |
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News Release The heavy rainfall advisory is in effect until Tuesday, 12.00PM. Motorists are advised to exercise caution while driving in low lying areas which could flood ? street flooding - due to heavy and persistent rainfall.? Motorists driving near hillsides are also asked to exercise caution with respect to possible rock falls. Drivers and individuals who do not need to be on the road should remain at home until weather conditions improve. Lightning strikes are also forecasted, and therefore residents should switch off and disconnect sensitive electronic equipment; and disconnect your phone line from your computer. Emergency services and teams from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to take the necessary measures should the need arise with respect to the road network system. # # #
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE News Release ? Department of Communication (DCOMM), Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, Sint Maarten D.W.I. Tel. +1 721 543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis at sintmaarten.net; Website: www.sintmaartengov.org ? For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 31, 2012/N187-8.30am RADIO ANNOUNCEMENT ? Country under Heavy Rainfall Advisory; Drivers cautioned about: possible flooding in low lying areas; and rock falls due to persistent rainfall ? drive with caution ? GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) ? The Department of Disaster Management has been informed by the Meteorological Department of Curacao on Monday morning that a heavy rainfall advisory (is when heavy rains are about to occur or are occurring already) is in effect as heavy thunder showers continue to move through the islands which is related to a Tropical Wave. The heavy rainfall advisory is in effect until Tuesday, 12.00PM. Motorists are advised to exercise caution while driving in low lying areas which could flood ? street flooding - due to heavy and persistent rainfall. Motorists driving near hillsides are also asked to exercise caution with respect to possible rock falls. Drivers and individuals who do not need to be on the road should remain at home until weather conditions improve. Lightning strikes are also forecasted, and therefore residents should switch off and disconnect sensitive electronic equipment; and disconnect your phone line from your computer. Emergency services and teams from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to take the necessary measures should the need arise with respect to the road network system. # # # ? Roddy Heyliger (Email/Blackberry: roddyheyliger at gmail.com, roddy.heyliger at sintmaartengov.org; Cell: +1 721 520-4217, 581-6323) Department of Communication (DCOMM), Sint Maarten |
- SxmDCOMM - URGENT Radio Announcement 6.20pm UPDATE Country remains under a Heavy Rainfall Advisory |
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News Release Motorists are advised to exercise caution while driving in low lying areas which could flood ? street flooding - due to forecasted heavy and persistent rainfall, and/or avoid driving in flooded streets until heavy rains taper off or has ended.? Motorists driving near hillsides are also asked to exercise caution with respect to possible rock falls. Drivers and individuals who do not need to be on the road should remain at home until weather conditions improve. Lightning strikes are also forecasted, and therefore residents should switch off and disconnect sensitive electronic equipment; and disconnect your phone line from your computer. # # #
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE News Release ? Department of Communication (DCOMM), Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, Sint Maarten D.W.I. Tel. +1 721 543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis at sintmaarten.net; Website: www.sintmaartengov.org ? For Immediate Release: Monday, July 30, 2012/N185-6.20pm RADIO ANNOUNCEMENT ? Heavy Rainfall Advisory remains in effect until Monday 9.00pm; Drivers cautioned about: possible flooding in low lying areas; and rock falls due to forecasted rainfall ? drive with caution ? GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) ? The Department of Disaster Management has been updated by the Meteorological Department of Curacao that the country remains under a heavy rainfall advisory (is when heavy rains about to occur or occurring already, but not strong enough to require a warning) until Monday 9.00pm. Motorists are advised to exercise caution while driving in low lying areas which could flood ? street flooding - due to forecasted heavy and persistent rainfall, and/or avoid driving in flooded streets until heavy rains taper off or has ended. Motorists driving near hillsides are also asked to exercise caution with respect to possible rock falls. Drivers and individuals who do not need to be on the road should remain at home until weather conditions improve. Lightning strikes are also forecasted, and therefore residents should switch off and disconnect sensitive electronic equipment; and disconnect your phone line from your computer. # # # ? Roddy Heyliger (Email/Blackberry: roddyheyliger at gmail.com, roddy.heyliger at sintmaartengov.org; Cell: +1 721 520-4217, 581-6323) Department of Communication (DCOMM), Sint Maarten |
- SxmDCOMM - URGENT Radio Announcement - Country now under a Heavy Rainfall Advisory - Code ORANGE |
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News Release Motorists are advised to exercise caution while driving in low lying areas which could flood ? street flooding - due to forecasted heavy and persistent rainfall, and/or avoid driving in flooded streets until heavy rains taper off or has ended.? Motorists driving near hillsides are also asked to exercise caution with respect to possible rock falls. Drivers and individuals who do not need to be on the road should remain at home until weather conditions improve. Lightning strikes are also forecasted, and therefore residents should switch off and disconnect sensitive electronic equipment; and disconnect your phone line from your computer. # # #
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE News Release ? Department of Communication (DCOMM), Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, Sint Maarten D.W.I. Tel. +1 721 543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis at sintmaarten.net; Website: www.sintmaartengov.org ? For Immediate Release: Monday, July 30, 2012/N184-1.20am RADIO ANNOUNCEMENT ? Country under Heavy Rainfall Advisory; Drivers cautioned about: possible flooding in low lying areas; and rock falls due to forecasted rainfall ? drive with caution ? GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) ? The Department of Disaster Management has been updated by the Meteorological Department of Curacao that the country is now under a code Orange and a heavy rainfall advisory (is when heavy rains about to occur or occurring already, but not strong enough to require a warning) is now in effect until late Monday afternoon. Motorists are advised to exercise caution while driving in low lying areas which could flood ? street flooding - due to forecasted heavy and persistent rainfall, and/or avoid driving in flooded streets until heavy rains taper off or has ended. Motorists driving near hillsides are also asked to exercise caution with respect to possible rock falls. Drivers and individuals who do not need to be on the road should remain at home until weather conditions improve. Lightning strikes are also forecasted, and therefore residents should switch off and disconnect sensitive electronic equipment; and disconnect your phone line from your computer. # # # ? Roddy Heyliger (Email/Blackberry: roddyheyliger at gmail.com, roddy.heyliger at sintmaartengov.org; Cell: +1 721 520-4217, 581-6323) Department of Communication (DCOMM), Sint Maarten |
- St Martin Earthquake | |
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- The earth moved! |
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- SxmDCOMM - Coastal residents advised to have plans in place for storm surge flooding |
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News Release According to the Office of Disaster Management, these plans should be in place since before the hurricane season which started on June 1. The season so far has seen four storms form with the last one being Debby that caused severe flooding and discomfort in parts of the U.S. state of Florida a few days ago. Property damages that can be expected from hurricanes and coastal flooding have been increasing year by year, and in many places the threat to life is increasing as well, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Most coastal communities are vulnerable to one or more different kinds of flooding and related hazards: frequent flooding from storm surge and winds; and storm-caused erosion of bluffs and beaches. Coastal areas of Sint Maarten are: Beacon Hill, Cupecoy, vicinity of the Princess Juliana International Airport, Simpson Bay, Pelican, Cay Bay, Belair & Little Bay, Philipsburg, Pointe Blanche, Red Pond, Oyster Pond and Guana Bay. In the event of a passing hurricane, homeowners should secure their possessions to upper levels of the structure.? If you decide not to stay in your home, you should make the necessary arrangements before the passing of a hurricane on where you would stay to ride out the passing of the storm system.? One should not wait until the last moment to evacuate their home.? Rising storm waters can also flood coastal roads. The most important link in the chain of preparation and response for coastal flooding is you.? Take the necessary measures to prepare your family and home, according to the Office of Disaster Management. Here is a check list if you have to leave your home before a hurricane strike due to high storm surge that is expected: turn off water and gas; have a radio and spare batteries; a first aid kit; flashlight; spare bedding; bottled water and tinned food; house keys; prescription medicine; cash and credit cards; mobile phone and spare clothing.
Corporate & Government?PR/Communications roddy.heyliger.pr at gmail.com CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE News Release ? Department of Communication (DCOMM), Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, Sint Maarten W.I. Tel. +1 721-543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis at sintmaarten.net; Website: www.sintmaartengov.org ? For Immediate Release: Thursday, June 28, 2012/N159 ? Coastal residents advised to have plans in place for storm surge flooding ? GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) ? Coastal residents are advised to have plans in place for possible storm surge in the event of a passing hurricane along the south coast of the country. According to the Office of Disaster Management, these plans should be in place since before the hurricane season which started on June 1. The season so far has seen four storms form with the last one being Debby that caused severe flooding and discomfort in parts of the U.S. state of Florida a few days ago. Property damages that can be expected from hurricanes and coastal flooding have been increasing year by year, and in many places the threat to life is increasing as well, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Most coastal communities are vulnerable to one or more different kinds of flooding and related hazards: frequent flooding from storm surge and winds; and storm-caused erosion of bluffs and beaches. Coastal areas of Sint Maarten are: Beacon Hill, Cupecoy, vicinity of the Princess Juliana International Airport, Simpson Bay, Pelican, Cay Bay, Belair & Little Bay, Philipsburg, Pointe Blanche, Red Pond, Oyster Pond and Guana Bay. In the event of a passing hurricane, homeowners should secure their possessions to upper levels of the structure. If you decide not to stay in your home, you should make the necessary arrangements before the passing of a hurricane on where you would stay to ride out the passing of the storm system. One should not wait until the last moment to evacuate their home. Rising storm waters can also flood coastal roads. The most important link in the chain of preparation and response for coastal flooding is you. Take the necessary measures to prepare your family and home, according to the Office of Disaster Management. Here is a check list if you have to leave your home before a hurricane strike due to high storm surge that is expected: turn off water and gas; have a radio and spare batteries; a first aid kit; flashlight; spare bedding; bottled water and tinned food; house keys; prescription medicine; cash and credit cards; mobile phone and spare clothing. ? # # # ? Roddy Heyliger (Email/Blackberry: roddyheyliger at gmail.com; Cells: +1 721 520-4217, 581-6323) Sint Maarten Department of Communication (DCOMM) |
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- SxmDCOMM - 11 Public Shelters Available for Hurricane Season |
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News Release These buildings are chosen based on the buildings? ability to withstand hurricane conditions and their height above sea level.? Space in shelters is limited and is meant for people who feel that their home is unsafe and can?t find another safe place to stay.? If your home is hurricane proof and is in a safe location, it is probably best to stay there during a storm.? Alternative options are to stay with family or friends whose house is also hurricane proof, however if you are unsure, do not hesitate to go to a public shelter. Shelters are meant for temporary stay of up to 72 hours. Persons utilizing a public shelter must realize that many people have to share a small space and therefore must be prepared for some amount of discomfort. There is a management team in charge of the shelter once it is opened. Safety is a main concern, and persons will have to follow shelter warden instructions. Take the time now to assess your house, and if you can, get an architect to do a proper assessment. This will determine whether you will stay with friends or family or make use of a public shelter.????? The U.S. National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the parent body of the National Hurricane Center (NHC) out of Miami, Florida, has forecasted a near-normal 2012 Atlantic hurricane season. The forecasts calls for nine to 15 named storms, of which four to eight can strengthen to become hurricanes, and of that one to three can become major hurricanes. It only takes one hurricane strike to make this a bad season, and therefore the Office of Disaster Management is urging the community to be prepared as it is your responsibility to do so every season. The remaining names of potential storms for the 2012 season are: Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sandy, Tony, Valerie and William. The 2012 hurricane season officially runs through November 30.
Corporate & Government?PR/Communications roddy.heyliger.pr at gmail.com CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE News Release ? Department of Communication (DCOMM), Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, Sint Maarten D.W.I. Tel. +1-721-543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis at sintmaarten.net; Website: www.sintmaartengov.org ? For Immediate Release: Thursday, June 07, 2012/N135 ? 11 Public Shelters Available for Hurricane Season ? GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) ? Disaster Coordinator/Fire Chief Winston Salomon says there are 11 public shelters available for the hurricane season. A number of buildings are chosen and equipped (prior to a definite hurricane strike) to serve as public shelters. These buildings are chosen based on the buildings? ability to withstand hurricane conditions and their height above sea level. Space in shelters is limited and is meant for people who feel that their home is unsafe and can?t find another safe place to stay. If your home is hurricane proof and is in a safe location, it is probably best to stay there during a storm. Alternative options are to stay with family or friends whose house is also hurricane proof, however if you are unsure, do not hesitate to go to a public shelter. Shelters are meant for temporary stay of up to 72 hours. Persons utilizing a public shelter must realize that many people have to share a small space and therefore must be prepared for some amount of discomfort. There is a management team in charge of the shelter once it is opened. Safety is a main concern, and persons will have to follow shelter warden instructions. Take the time now to assess your house, and if you can, get an architect to do a proper assessment. This will determine whether you will stay with friends or family or make use of a public shelter. The U.S. National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the parent body of the National Hurricane Center (NHC) out of Miami, Florida, has forecasted a near-normal 2012 Atlantic hurricane season. The forecasts calls for nine to 15 named storms, of which four to eight can strengthen to become hurricanes, and of that one to three can become major hurricanes. It only takes one hurricane strike to make this a bad season, and therefore the Office of Disaster Management is urging the community to be prepared as it is your responsibility to do so every season. The remaining names of potential storms for the 2012 season are: Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sandy, Tony, Valerie and William.? The 2012 hurricane season officially runs through November 30. ? # # # ? Roddy Heyliger (Email/Blackberry: roddyheyliger at gmail.com; Cells: +1 721 520-4217, 581-6323) Sint Maarten Department of Communication (DCOMM) Attachment: Hurricane shelters 2012 SXM.doc |
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- SxmDCOMM - Second EOC Meeting held to Assess State of Country Preparedness for Hurricane Season; National Preparedness Level Good |
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News Release All stakeholders present representing the 10 Emergency Support Functions (ESFs), gave an update and according to Disaster Section Head Paul Martens, the general state of preparedness and readiness is good. The hurricane shelters have been identified which is similar to the listing of 2011.? Some upgrading of the shelters will take place within short. ESF-5/Police is working on a curfew plan, roadblock controls and traffic circulation based on different scenarios.? ESF-8/Department of Communication: The annual hurricane awareness campaign started with the statement issued mid-May by the Prime Minister calling on the nation to be hurricane ready. The Meteorological Services is working with the Dutch Service KNMI to get the weather radar back into service.? ESF-2/Telecommunications (TELEM) is addressing weak spots within in cellular network.? ESF-3/Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure: Trench cleaning is underway; a new flood water pump system is near completion and emergency contingency plans have been developed for constructions areas such as Dutch Quarter, Middle Region and Cay Hill. ESF-7/Social Services: the community help desk personnel will be involved with the hurricane shelters, providing district information as well as identifying persons with special needs who will need assistance in the event of a hurricane strike. Salomon is once again appealing to the Sint Maarten community to make sure they have plans in place for the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season which officially opens on June 1.? The season has already seen the birth of two tropical storms (Alberto, Beryl) even before the June 1st official start of the season. The U.S. National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the parent body of the National Hurricane Center (NHC) out of Miami, Florida, predicts a near-normal 2012 Atlantic hurricane season. The forecasts calls for nine to 15 named storms, of which four to eight can strengthen to become hurricanes, and of that one to three can become major hurricanes. The remaining names of potential storms for the 2012 season are: Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sandy, Tony, Valerie and William. The 2012 hurricane season officially runs through November 30.
Corporate & Government?PR/Communications roddy.heyliger.pr at gmail.com CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE News Release ? Department of Communication (DCOMM), Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, Sint Maarten D.W.I. Tel. +1-721-543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis at sintmaarten.net; Website: www.sintmaartengov.org ? For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 31, 2012/N127 ? Second EOC Meeting held to Assess State of Country Preparedness for Hurricane Season; National Preparedness Level Good ? GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) ? Disaster Coordinator/Fire Chief Winston Salomon chaired his second pre-hurricane season meeting on Tuesday, held to assess national state of preparedness for the hurricane season. All stakeholders present representing the 10 Emergency Support Functions (ESFs), gave an update and according to Disaster Section Head Paul Martens, the general state of preparedness and readiness is good. The hurricane shelters have been identified which is similar to the listing of 2011. Some upgrading of the shelters will take place within short. ESF-5/Police is working on a curfew plan, roadblock controls and traffic circulation based on different scenarios. ESF-8/Department of Communication: The annual hurricane awareness campaign started with the statement issued mid-May by the Prime Minister calling on the nation to be hurricane ready. The Meteorological Services is working with the Dutch Service KNMI to get the weather radar back into service. ESF-2/Telecommunications (TELEM) is addressing weak spots within in cellular network. ESF-3/Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure: Trench cleaning is underway; a new flood water pump system is near completion and emergency contingency plans have been developed for constructions areas such as Dutch Quarter, Middle Region and Cay Hill. ESF-7/Social Services: the community help desk personnel will be involved with the hurricane shelters, providing district information as well as identifying persons with special needs who will need assistance in the event of a hurricane strike. Salomon is once again appealing to the Sint Maarten community to make sure they have plans in place for the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season which officially opens on June 1. The season has already seen the birth of two tropical storms (Alberto, Beryl) even before the June 1st official start of the season. The U.S. National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the parent body of the National Hurricane Center (NHC) out of Miami, Florida, predicts a near-normal 2012 Atlantic hurricane season. The forecasts calls for nine to 15 named storms, of which four to eight can strengthen to become hurricanes, and of that one to th |
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