ODM: Do not be complacent this hurricane season; First hurricane of the season forms

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The first hurricane of the 2014 Atlantic hurricane season, Hurricane Arthur, formed this week off the U.S. coast of Florida/Carolinas.

Even though the system does not pose a threat to the country, it is indeed a reminder that we are in the hurricane season and everybody needs to be prepared.

The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) is appealing to residents not to let their guard down, preparedness pays off, do not be complacent. 

The Eastern Caribbean island chain will see an increase in the formation of tropical wave systems coming off the coast of Africa from now until after mid-October, and these waves have the potential to develop into a tropical storm.

ODM is calling on the Sint Maarten community to view the formation of the first hurricane of the season as a reminder that they should not become complacent and to make sure everybody has everything in place and are storm ready. 

Home owners and business operators must take the required actions to minimize the risk of injury and damage to property in case there is a hurricane strike, and the time to act is now if you haven’t already.   

Being prepared is essential prior to a hurricane strike.  Businesses and government must survive and recover from a disaster as quick as possible which would ensure that the economy can be up and running and our way of life returns to normal.

Remember, it only takes one to make this a bad hurricane season for the country.

The hurricane season runs through November 30.