• Remain inside until local authorities say it's safe to go outside
• If you must go outside, beware of fallen objects and downed electrical wires
• Report downed power lines to GEBE immediately via their emergency line
• Inspect your home for damage to ensure it's safe to stay there, and check for gas leaks
• Document all damage with photos and videos using your smartphone before beginning cleanup
• Stay out of areas with extensive storm damage
• Obey all curfew and emergency orders
• Do not operate charcoal grills, propane camping stoves or generators indoors
• Use battery-powered lanterns and flashlights instead of candles

• Keep residential and commercial debris in separate piles if you live in a mixed-use area
• Place debris piles on the right-of-way, away from fences, mailboxes, storm drains, manholes and low-hanging wires
• When clearing storm debris, use a broom instead of a hose to conserve water
• Sweep and bag debris to prevent clogging storm drains and causing sewage overflows
• Shut off electrical power and natural gas or propane tanks to avoid fire, electrocution, or explosions
• If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows, and leave the house immediately
• Never drive or walk through standing water (it may be deeper than it appears and contain hidden hazards)
• When using power equipment, always wear a safety face shield/eyeglasses and gloves
• Contact your insurance agent and document everything with photos/videos
• Store all documentation in cloud storage when possible to prevent loss
• Keep detailed records of repair and cleaning costs with receipts
• Be patient and careful—cleanup after a storm takes time

• Use text messages instead of calls when networks are congested
• Keep portable battery packs/power banks charged for emergency phone use
• Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for emergency information
• Follow official Sint Maarten government and emergency services social media accounts
• Check the government website (www.sintmaartengov.org) for updates and resource
• Establish a communication plan with family members

• If you see frayed wiring, sparks when restoring power, or smell something burning with no visible fire, immediately shut off the electrical system at the main circuit breaker
• Consult GEBE before using electrical equipment, including power generators

• Place generators outdoors at least 20 feet (6 meters) from any window, door, or vent
• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors in your home when using a generator
• Use only extension cords rated for outdoor use with generators
• Never connect generators directly to your home's wiring (backfeeding) without proper transfer switches
• Generators can become fire hazards when power is restored and can endanger line workers
  
  

• Address wet materials within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth
• Wear N95 masks, gloves, and eye protection when cleaning moldy materials
• Walls, hard-surfaced floors, and household surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water
• Disinfect surfaces with a solution of one cup of bleach to five gallons of water
• Pay particular attention to surfaces that contact food and children's play areas
• Wash all linens and clothing in hot water or dry clean them
• For items that cannot be washed (mattresses, upholstered furniture), air dry in the sun and spray thoroughly with a disinfectant
• Steam clean all carpeting that can be saved
  
• If sewage has backed up into the house:

• Remove all wet or damaged carpeting and drywall to prevent mold

• Discard any refrigerated food if:
  

• When in doubt, throw it out
  
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible during outages
• Food in a full freezer will stay frozen for about 48 hours (24 hours if half-full)
• Use coolers with ice for temporary food storage
• Never taste food to determine its safety

Home Repair After the Storm

• File a claim with your insurance company first
• Know your contractor: call references and beware of scams
• Check complaint history
• Verify the contractor's license and insurance
• Obtain at least three estimates
• Get all promises in writing through a detailed contract
• Avoid paying large sums of money upfront (10-20% is standard)
• Pay by credit card instead of cash to ensure better protection
• Take photos of all work completed before making payments

• Price gouging is considered an "unconscionable price," determined by comparing the price during an emergency with what was charged for the same item during the preceding 30-day period
• To report price gouging, email idez.inquiries@sintmaartengov.org
  

Swimming Pool Barriers

• Repair or replace damaged pool barriers as a priority (even empty pools pose a safety threat)
• Install temporary contractor safety mesh available at local home improvement stores until permanent repairs can be made
• If your swimming pool is not functioning normally, add chlorine regularly to prevent algae growth and mosquito breeding

• Empty standing water from children's toys, uncovered boats, watercraft, trash cans, and lids
• Repair screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios
• Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to bite
• Dress in light, long, and loose clothing that covers the skin
• Use insect repellents containing the EPA-recommended ingredient DEET
• Consider treating yard areas with mosquito control products
• Report large mosquito breeding areas to local health authorities