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.