Emergency services need to pass without obstructions

Authorities on Saba have asked people on the island to refrain from parking their vehicle on the road in such a way that they obstruct passing emergency response vehicles. If necessary, fines will be issued.

Saba roads are very narrow in some areas. Cars parked along the already narrow roads lead to a slower response of the emergency services, and in a situation where time is of the essence this can become a matter of life or death.

Sometimes volunteers come to assist emergency services which leads to unnecessary parking along the roads. Two examples where this happened was during the house fire on April 16 and the car accident that took place on June 29.

The Public Entity Saba has requested all drivers to be aware of where they park during day and night hours. Residents are urged to keep to the law and to not park their vehicles in areas where they might obstruct the emergency vehicles of the Police, Fire Department and the ambulance. Authorities will keep an eye out for vehicles blocking the road and fines will be issued accordingly.

In another matter, it was announced that the Public Entity together with the Fire Department are analyzing the strategic placing of fire hydrants at the big parking lot in Windwardside. This will be a first step to ensure the Fire Department will have quicker access to water.

Authorities have noted that bystanders want to help in emergency situations. This gesture is appreciated, but the Public Entity Saba and the Fire Department must always consider safety first. Possibilities are being researched at to work more closely with citizens who want to help in emergency and special situations.

GIS Saba.