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
DESIGN OF THE HOUSE
THE CHOICE OF HOUSE DESIGN IS ALSO VERY IMPORTANT IN MAKING IT DISASTER RESISTANT.
THE BEST SHAPE TO RESIST HIGH WINDS IS A SQUARE BECAUSE
- IT ALLOWS HIGH WINDS TO GO AROUND THEM.
- IT IS BETTER BRACED AGAINST EARTHQUAKES.
IF OTHER SHAPES ARE DESIRED EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO STRENGTHEN THE CORNERS.
Long Rectangle
Square (Best)
Rectangle
L-Shape
If longer shapes are used, they must be designed to withstand the forces of the wind.
Most houses are rectangular and the best layout is when the length is not more than three (3) times the width.