Significant Others of Saba

Storm Preparedness

Saba happens to be in the Northern Caribbean, part of the “Hurricane

Chain”. This means that every so often we get a hurricane during the

Hurricane Season which runs from June 1 to November 30. Saba

University has a pretty solid system in place in informing students,

faculty or staff of an approaching hurricane. Your landlord will also

inform you about an approaching hurricane (as will the Weather

Channel!) and will board up your house. As you might know, Saba is

pretty elevated above sea level, and thus we tend to get very strong

gusts, once a hurricane hits. Do not be afraid, the houses on Saba

are build with great care, since the owners are very much aware of

the fact that a hurricane will hit every so often. There are three

phases for an approaching storm:

• Tropical Storm Watch: a storm with a strength of more than 35

mph but less than 75 mph is approaching, and might hit.

• Tropical Storm Warning: a storm with a strength of more than

35 mph but less than 75 mph is approaching, and will hit.

• Hurricane Watch: a storm with a strength of more than 75 mph

is approaching, and might hit.

• Hurricane Warning: a storm with a strength of more than 75

mph is approaching, and will hit.

The most active part of the season occurs from August 15 to October

15 (theoretically). As soon as the hurricane season starts it’s smart

to start taking precautions. There are a few essential things you

should have during and after a hurricane:

Store water. Make sure you always have extra bottles of water,

don’t wait until there is a hurricane warning to buy water: when you

get to the stores the supply might be low. Keep the biggest bucket

you have full of water in the bathroom, once we are in a hurricane

warning.

Store non-perishable food. Select foods that require no

refrigeration, such as, canned meats, canned vegetables, canned

fruits. If you have a baby make sure you have: formula, bottles,

medication, diapers and powdered formula, milk, or baby food.

Secure important documents. Keep those documents in a

waterproof, portable container.

Essentials. First Aid Kit, Flashlight and extra batteries, Batteryoperated

radio with extra batteries. Make sure you have a full tank

of gas in your car. After a hurricane you might not have electricity for

some time. It would be useful to have a generator so you can keep

your fridge on, take showers and do laundry. Don't forget your pets! Also take your money,

passport, and important documents if you leave the house!

Hurricane Shelters

Shelter to be assigned by Island Governments