10 Essential Products to Stock Up On at Divico Cash & Carry Before Hurricane Season

Be Prepared: Hurricane Season Approaches in Sint Maarten

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1st and runs through November 30th, with peak activity typically occurring between August and October. For residents of Sint Maarten, preparation is not just recommended—it's essential. As the island's premier wholesale supplier, Divico Cash & Carry is committed to helping our community prepare effectively for whatever nature may bring.

Living on our beautiful Caribbean island comes with responsibilities, and proper hurricane preparation is among the most important. Based on experiences from previous storms that have affected Sint Maarten, including the devastating Hurricane Irma in 2017, we've compiled this comprehensive guide to the most critical supplies you should stockpile before the season begins.

Why Early Preparation Matters in Sint Maarten

While mainland locations may have the luxury of last-minute shopping or evacuating to unaffected areas, our island reality requires more advance planning. When a storm approaches Sint Maarten:

• Shipping to the island may be suspended days before landfall
• Local stores quickly run out of essential supplies
• Evacuation options are limited and often unavailable
• Recovery periods can be longer due to our infrastructure

Divico Cash & Carry maintains robust inventory levels of hurricane supplies year-round, but demand naturally increases as the season approaches. Shopping early ensures you'll have access to everything you need without the stress of competing with last-minute crowds.

Your Hurricane Preparedness Shopping List

1. Water and Water Storage Solutions

Recommendation: At least one gallon per person per day for a minimum of 7-10 days

Water service disruptions are common during and after major storms in Sint Maarten. Divico offers:

• Bulk packages of bottled water in various sizes
• Large water storage containers (5-gallon to 55-gallon options)
• Water purification tablets and portable filters
• Collapsible water containers for efficient storage

Pro Tip: Consider our stackable water containers that maximize storage space while providing ample emergency supply. These BPA-free containers are manufactured specifically for long-term water storage and include spigots for easy dispensing.

2. Non-perishable Food Supplies

Recommendation: At least a two-week supply of non-perishable foods per person

Divico's expanded grocery section offers hurricane-ready foods including:

• Canned meats, fruits, and vegetables with pop-top lids
• Energy-dense dry goods (rice, pasta, cereal, crackers)
• Ready-to-eat meals requiring minimal preparation
• High-protein options (canned tuna, beans, nut butters)
• Comfort foods to maintain morale during stressful times

Pro Tip: Create a meal plan specifically for hurricane situations to ensure balanced nutrition and appropriate calorie intake for your household. Our staff can help you calculate quantities based on your family size.

3. Alternative Cooking Methods

When electricity is unavailable, having alternative cooking options is crucial:

• Portable propane stoves and extra fuel canisters
• Charcoal grills and ample charcoal supply
• Solar cookers for daytime meal preparation
• Canned heat (Sterno) options for indoor-safe heating

Pro Tip: Test your alternative cooking equipment before hurricane season begins, and practice preparing some of your emergency food supplies using these methods.

4. Lighting and Power Solutions

Sint Maarten storms frequently cause extended power outages, making these items essential:

• Battery-powered lanterns and flashlights
• Solar-powered lighting options
• Extra batteries in various sizes
• Portable power banks for maintaining communication
• Hand-crank emergency radios with charging capabilities
• Generators and appropriate fuel storage (for those with suitable space)

Pro Tip: Divico Cash & Carry offers a wide selection of energy-efficient LED lighting solutions that provide maximum illumination while conserving battery power.

5. Communication Tools

Staying informed during a storm is critical for safety:

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radios
• Waterproof cases for mobile devices
• Whistle (for signaling for help if needed)
• Island maps (physical copies)
• Notepad and pencils for leaving messages

Pro Tip: Pre-program emergency contacts and download offline maps of Sint Maarten before the storm approaches, when internet connectivity may be limited.

6. First Aid and Medical Supplies

Recommendation: Both a comprehensive kit and additional supplies of specific items your household uses regularly

Our pharmacy department stocks:

• Complete first aid kits in various sizes
• Additional bandages, gauze, and wound care supplies
• Antibacterial ointments and antiseptics
• Pain relievers and fever reducers
• Prescription medications (stock up before storms with doctor approval)
• Personal hygiene items including hand sanitizer

Pro Tip: Create a separate waterproof container with copies of prescriptions and important medical documents, particularly important for managing chronic conditions in post-storm situations on Sint Maarten.

7. Sanitation and Hygiene Products

Extended utility outages may affect water and sewer systems:

• Liquid hand soap and sanitizer
• Disinfecting wipes and sprays
• Heavy-duty garbage bags
• Portable toilet options and chemicals
• Personal hygiene products
• Diapers and feminine hygiene supplies as needed

Pro Tip: Our bulk packaging options allow you to stock up economically on these essential items, which remain useful long after hurricane season if not needed for emergencies.

8. Tools and Emergency Supplies

Divico's hardware department offers comprehensive emergency tools:

• Multi-tool or basic tool kit
• Duct tape and heavy-duty tarps
• Battery-powered fans for heat relief
• Work gloves and eye protection
• Plastic sheeting and board-up materials
• Rope and bungee cords

Pro Tip: Consider investing in quick-deploy window coverings specifically designed for Sint Maarten's common window sizes and hurricane exposure patterns.

9. Documents and Financial Preparation

While not physical supplies, proper document management is crucial:

• Waterproof document containers
• Cash in small denominations (ATMs and card readers may be inoperative)
• Copies of insurance policies and important documents
• Contact information for insurance agents and emergency services

Pro Tip: Photograph your property and valuables before hurricane season as documentation for potential insurance claims.

10. Comfort and Stress Management Items

Often overlooked but important for mental well-being during challenging times:

• Books, cards, and non-electronic games
• Comfort items for children and pets
• Battery-powered fans
• Simple art supplies or journals
• Shelf-stable treats and comfort foods

Pro Tip: Create individual "comfort kits" for each family member, particularly children, with special items that provide emotional support during stressful situations.

Special Considerations for Sint Maarten Residents

Living on our beautiful but vulnerable island requires additional planning:

For Expatriates and Part-time Residents

If you split your time between Sint Maarten and elsewhere, consider:

• Establishing a "hurricane buddy" system with year-round residents
• Securing additional property protections for unoccupied homes
• Documentation for international assistance if needed
• Communication plans with off-island family members

For Businesses

Divico Cash & Carry offers special order services for businesses requiring:

• Employee emergency supply kits
• Business continuity materials
• Property protection supplies
• Post-storm cleanup equipment

How Divico Cash & Carry Supports Sint Maarten During Hurricane Season

As a cornerstone business in Sint Maarten, we take our community responsibility seriously:

• Early Stocking: We begin increasing our hurricane supply inventory months before season
• Price Stability: We maintain fair pricing on essential items even as demand increases
• Expert Advice: Our staff includes long-time islanders with extensive hurricane experience
• Community Resources: We host preparedness workshops throughout the pre-season months
• Post-Storm Support: We prioritize rapid reopening after storms to support recovery efforts

Conclusion: Peace of Mind Through Preparation

While we hope every hurricane season passes Sint Maarten without incident, history has taught us that preparation is essential. By shopping early at Divico Cash & Carry, you can ensure your household or business has everything needed to weather whatever storms may come our way.

Visit our Philipsburg location today to speak with our knowledgeable staff about customizing your hurricane preparation plan. We're committed to helping our Sint Maarten community stay safe and resilient throughout hurricane season and beyond.

Divico Cash & Carry Sint Maarten - Your partner in emergency preparedness and everyday value.

Contact Information: Divico Cash & Carry Sint Maarten Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Phone: +1 (721) XXX-XXXX Email: info@divicocashandcarry.sx Website: www.divicocashandcarry.sx Hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-7pm, Sunday 9am-3pm