GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) is advising households to review and replenish their hurricane emergency supply kits and ensure that they have sufficient non-perishable food, drinking water, essential medications and other necessities to sustain every member of the household for a minimum of 14 days following the passage of a hurricane.
A major hurricane could cause significant damage to electricity, water, telecommunications, roads and other critical infrastructure. Depending on the severity of the impact, electricity and water services could be unavailable for an extended period.
Residents should therefore prepare to be self-sufficient during the immediate aftermath of a hurricane while utility companies, emergency services and other organizations work to restore essential services.
Particular attention should be given to maintaining the safety of food and medications during extended electricity outages. Prolonged electricity outages can result in refrigerated and frozen foods reaching unsafe temperatures, increasing the potential for foodborne illness.
Before a hurricane threatens the country, households should ensure that refrigerators are maintained at approximately 40°F (4°C) or below and freezers at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
Where possible, keep an appliance thermometer in both the refrigerator and freezer. This can help determine whether food remained at a safe temperature during an electricity outage.
Residents can also freeze containers of water in advance. The resulting ice can help keep food cold longer in refrigerators, freezers and coolers when electricity is unavailable.
Refrigerated foods that may not be needed immediately, including fresh meat, poultry, milk and leftovers, can also be frozen ahead of a storm to help preserve them for a longer period.
Households should have coolers available and freeze gel packs in advance. Residents may also want to identify beforehand where block ice or dry ice could be obtained after a hurricane, provided businesses are operational and roads are accessible.
Food should be grouped together in the freezer because a well-stocked freezer generally maintains its temperature longer than one that is nearly empty.
Food supplies should also be stored on elevated shelves and in waterproof containers where possible, particularly in homes or businesses located in areas susceptible to flooding.
Once electricity is lost, refrigerator and freezer doors should remain closed as much as possible.
An unopened refrigerator can generally keep food cold for approximately four hours. A full freezer may maintain a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours, while a half-full freezer may maintain its temperature for approximately 24 hours, provided the door remains closed.
After approximately four hours without refrigeration or another safe cold source, perishable refrigerated foods such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk, eggs, soft cheeses, deli products and leftovers may no longer be safe for consumption.
Residents should not rely solely on the appearance, smell or taste of food to determine whether it is safe. When in doubt, throw it out. Never taste questionable food to determine whether it is safe to eat.
Residents should also exercise caution when purchasing prepared foods from restaurants, roadside vendors and other food establishments following a hurricane, particularly during an extended electricity or water outage. Food should only be purchased from establishments that are operating under safe and sanitary conditions and have adequate refrigeration, safe water and appropriate food-handling practices.
ODM is also encouraging persons who depend on prescription medications to ensure that they have an adequate supply available before a hurricane threatens the country.
Some medicines require refrigeration or must be maintained within a particular temperature range. Persons who use temperature-sensitive medication should discuss hurricane and power-outage arrangements in advance with their doctor or pharmacist.
Residents should know how long their particular medication can safely remain outside its recommended storage temperature and whether alternative storage arrangements can be made during an extended power outage.
Medication should not automatically be discarded or used differently based on general advice, particularly when it is essential to a person’s health. If there is uncertainty about whether a medicine remains safe or effective following an extended electricity outage, contact a pharmacist, physician or other qualified healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Persons who depend on critical medications should also keep an updated list of prescriptions, dosages, medical conditions and healthcare contacts as part of their emergency documentation.
Hurricane preparedness should take place before a storm threatens Sint Maarten.
ODM reminds the community that hurricane preparedness is about planning for the conditions that may exist not only during the passage of a hurricane, but also during the days and weeks that follow.
