Caribbean Disaster
Mitigation Project
Implemented by the Organization of American States
Unit of Sustainable Development and Environment
for the USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and the Caribbean Regional Program
HURRICANES
MAINTENANCE
1. Experience and statistics show that the lack of maintenance is a significant contributing factor in damage to houses by hurricanes.
2. Regular maintenance is necessary in order to ensure that a structure continues to be hurricane resistant.
3. Check the entire house regularly inside and outside - to see if anything needs repairing or replacing, and fix it immediately.
4. The most important areas for regular checks are:
(a) Roof cladding for damage and fixings for missing screws or bolts.
(b) Roof structure; rafters and purlins for soundness.
(c) Joints and connections in timber and masonry construction for structural integrity and durability.
(d) Concrete blocks and slabs for cracks.
(e) For houses on wooden supports, check supports for rot, especially those below ground level.
(f) Check for termites and treat when evident. Obtain specialist