SXMElections.com

PHILIPSBURG--Schools on the Dutch side have been ordered closed by Government on Monday "as a precaution" due to the passing of Hurricane Danny close to the country Sunday night into Monday.

Both Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and Education Minister Rita Bourne-Gumbs issued statements on Friday advising the community about the school closure.

Business closure will be decided on over the weekend, if this becomes necessary. "We have to review the latest weather reports that come in over the weekend to determine further actions," said Gumbs.

Gumbs, as Chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), held a mini EOC meeting about preparations for the passing of the first hurricane of the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season being overseen by National Disaster Coordinator/Fire Chief Clive Richardson and other key Emergency Support Functions.

In a radio address, the text of which was forwarded to the print media, Gumbs said, "Heavy rains can be expected with the passing of this weather system which can lead to street flooding and land slippages/mudslides."

Numerous trenches and drains have been cleared to allow the free flow of storm water. The pumps on Sucker Garden Road are operational and on standby, said Gumbs, who serves as ad interim Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI.

The overflows from the Fresh and Little Bay Ponds will be prepared by the ministry for a fast run-off of excess water.

A request for military assistance by the Dutch Royal Marines stationed in Marine Base Pointe Blanche has been sent by Gumbs in his capacity as Minister of General Affairs.

Residents are advised by government to take the necessary measures required to protect homes and businesses. "Use this time now to review your annual hurricane season kit," said Gumbs.

Residents will be informed continuously over the weekend about the hurricane and its impact via radio, the Government's website and Facebook page as the situation develops.

The hurricane shelters are New Testament Baptist Church (A.C. Cannegieter Street, Philipsburg), Sister Marie-Laurence Primary School (Ellis Drive 1, Middle Region), St. Maarten Academy (Cupper Drive, Cul de Sac), Milton Peters College (L.B. Scott Road, South Reward), Rupert I. Maynard Youth Community Centre (St. Peters Road, St. Peters), Leonard Connor School (Venus Drive, Cay Bay), Allan C. Halley Community Centre (Simpson Bay Road 27, Simpson Bay), the Salvation Army Building (Union Road 59, Cole Bay), and Christian Fellowship Church (Welfare Road 95, Cole Bay).

Utilities company GEBE has established a call centre for residents to use during and after the storm. Between 7:30am and 10:30pm, residents can call 546-1193, 546-1189 or 546-2283. GEBE'S existing emergency number 1-844-432-3213 also can be used.

GEBE said its restoration teams were "in full gear" to assist the public. The company requests that residents use e-mail address

\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to send feedback and photos of GEBE-related issues in their areas.

Besides enough food, water, consideration for shelter and cleaning supplies for animals, pet owners also are advised to keep medications and medical records in a waterproof container and to have recent photos of pets with their owners, along with written descriptions of pets, to help other people identify them in case of separation and to prove they belong to the rightful owner.