Lifestyle
Hurricane preparedness on Sint Maarten: what ODM advises
The Office of Disaster Management's advice for the Dutch side: a 14-day supply kit, safe food and medicine storage, plans for pets and boats, and business contingency plans.
By SXM Daily ·
This guide covers the Dutch side of the island. It is based on advice from the Government of Sint Maarten and its Office of Disaster Management (ODM).
When to be ready
In an advisory to boat owners on August 6, 2026, Fire Chief and National Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson said the most active period of the hurricane season is historically mid-August to mid-October.
Emergency supplies
ODM advises every household to keep a kit with non-perishable food, water, essential medicines and other necessities for every household member, enough for at least 14 days after a hurricane (ODM, September 3, 2026).
To keep food safe, keep the fridge at about 40°F (4°C) or below and the freezer at 0°F (−18°C) or below.
Pets
The government's General Affairs "Storm Prep" page asks residents to include pets in their hurricane plans. If you ride out the storm at a relative's, friend's or neighbour's home, take your pets with you. If you stay home, keep each pet in a crate or carrier in a safe area with the family, with its collar and tag on.
The pet checklist includes:
- food and water for at least 2 weeks, a manual can opener and bowls
- a carrier for each pet, big enough to stand and turn around in
- a leash, and a muzzle if needed
- an ID tag (consider microchipping)
- vaccination and medical records, and a 2-week supply of medication
- cat litter supplies, paper towels, disinfectant and hand sanitizer
- comfort items and recent photos of each pet
- contacts for pet-friendly shelters
Boats
In the August 6 advisory, ODM urged boat owners and mariners to finalise their hurricane preparedness plans ahead of peak season.
Businesses
In a July 2, 2026 government release, Clive Richardson urged hotels, resorts, restaurants, marinas, tour operators, retailers, transport providers and vacation-rental managers to make sure their hurricane contingency plans are current, practical and understood by all staff. "Preparedness cannot begin when a storm is already approaching the island," he said. A good plan also helps a business reopen faster after a storm.
Sources
- https://www.sintmaartengov.org/news/Pages/press-release.aspx?slug=odm-review-hurricane-emergency-supplies-food-safety-and-medicine-storage-tips
- https://www.sintmaartengov.org/news/Pages/press-release.aspx?slug=odm-urges-boat-owners-mariners-to-finalize-hurricane-preparedness-plans-ahead-of-peak-season
- https://www.sintmaartengov.org/Ministries/General-Affairs/Pages/Storm-Prep.aspx
- https://www.sintmaartengov.org/news/Pages/ODM-Calls-on-Business-Community-and-Tourism-Sector-to-Review-Hurricane-Contingency-Plans.aspx