Don't let a hurricane catch you off guard in Sint Maarten. Being prepared is key to staying safe. Use this comprehensive checklist as you shop and store your supplies. Keep items you would most likely need during an evacuation in a large, easy-to-carry waterproof container, a camping backpack, or a duffle bag.
Water & Food Supplies (7-Day Supply Recommended)
Water
- 1 gallon (4 liters) of drinking water per person per day (minimum 7-day supply for Sint Maarten)
- Water purification tablets or portable filter
- Additional water for hygiene purposes
Ready-to-Eat Food
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Canned/boxed juice
- Ready-to-eat canned soups and meats
- Canned pasta and beans
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Bread (store in freezer until needed)
- Fresh fruits with longer shelf life (apples, oranges)
- Crackers and cookies in sealed packages
- Nuts, dried fruits, and trail mix
- Granola and energy bars
- Dry cereal
- Powdered milk or shelf-stable milk alternatives
- Protein/meal replacement drinks
- Hard candies
Minimal-Prep Food
- Rice
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Instant noodles
- Boxed meals
- Instant mashed potatoes
- Oats
- Cooking oil, salt, pepper, sugar
- Local seasonings and spices
Pet Supplies
- 7-day supply of dry/canned pet food
- Water for pets (1 gallon per pet per day)
- Leash, collar, and ID tags
- Water and food bowls
- Pet carrier or crate
- Pet medications and medical records
- Recent photos of pets (in case they get lost)
- Litter/pan for cats, waste bags for dogs
- Comfort items (toys, blankets)
Baby Supplies
- 7-day supply of diapers and wipes
- Formula or baby food
- Bottles and sippy cups
- Rash ointment
- Extra clothes
- Baby medications
- Mosquito netting for cribs
- Baby carrier
- Small toys or comfort items
Sanitation & Personal Care
- Toilet paper
- Moist towelettes/wipes
- Sanitary napkins and tampons
- Hand sanitizer
- Bar soap and liquid soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Insect repellent (with DEET)
- Sunscreen
- First aid kit (see detailed list below)
- Prescription medications (2-week supply)
- Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses with solution
- 5-gallon bucket with lid (emergency toilet)
- Heavy-duty garbage bags with ties
- Chlorine bleach and medicine dropper (for water purification)
- Feminine supplies
Kitchen & Food Prep
- Manual can opener
- Aluminum foil
- Paper towels/napkins
- Paper plates and cups
- Plastic utensils
- Food storage bags or containers
- Dish liquid soap
- Portable camp stove or grill
- Charcoal or propane
- Lighter and matches in waterproof container
- Lighter fluid
- Cooler for perishable items
- Ziplock bags of various sizes
Tools & Emergency Items
- Multi-tool or basic tool kit
- Work gloves
- N95 masks or dust masks
- Duct tape
- Rope or paracord (50 ft)
- Plastic sheeting/tarps
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (for local weather alerts)
- Flashlights (1 per person)
- Extra batteries
- Solar chargers for devices
- Fully-charged portable power banks
- Fully-charged cell phone
- Whistle to signal for help
- Battery-powered or hand-crank fan
- Fire extinguisher
First Aid Kit
- Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
- Sterile gauze pads and rolls
- Adhesive tape
- Scissors and tweezers
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Pain relievers (acetaminophen (i.e. paracetamol / dolipran), ibuprofen (i.e. advil, motrin))
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Antacids
- Thermometer
- Non-latex gloves
- Instant cold compress
- Scissors and safety pins
- First aid instruction booklet
- Mosquito bite treatment
- Anti-itch cream
Financial & Documentation
- Cash in small denominations (ATMs and card readers may not work)
- Credit cards
- Important documents in waterproof container:
* Insurance policies (home, auto, medical)
* Medical records and medication list
* Passport, birth certificates, and immigration documents
* Bank account information
* Property deeds, leases, mortgages
* Vehicle registrations and titles
* Social security cards or local ID cards
* Current utility bill (to prove residency)
* List of important contacts (family, friends, doctors)
* Emergency contact information
* Pictures of valuable possessions (for insurance)
* Waterproof document pouch
Clothing & Bedding
- Complete change of clothing per person
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
- Rain gear (poncho, umbrella)
- Hat for sun protection
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Moisture-wicking underwear and socks
- Light jacket
Entertainment & Comfort
- Books, games, cards
- Notebooks and pens
- Comfort items for children (stuffed animals, etc.)
- Battery-operated fan
- Small battery-operated radio
Electronics Protection
- Surge protectors for all electronics
- Waterproof covers for electronics
- Backup of important digital files
- Unplugging guidelines for various appliances
Before Evacuation
- Turn off all utilities at main switches (water, electricity, gas)
- Move valuables to higher locations in your home
- Secure outdoor furniture and items
- Board up windows or close hurricane shutters
- Lock all windows and doors
- Take photos of property condition before leaving
- Notify family and friends of evacuation plans and destination
- Check in with vulnerable neighbors
- Fill bathtub and large containers with water (for non-drinking purposes)
- Set refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings
- Charge all devices fully before departure
- Fill vehicle gas tank
- Withdraw cash from ATM (Small denominations of both Guilders and USD/ Euros)
- Know your nearest hurricane shelter
Remember: This is a comprehensive list. Prioritize based on your specific needs, storage capacity, and personal circumstances. Always refresh your supplies seasonally and check expiration dates regularly. And have you local emergency phone numbers (printed copy).