IMAJ Endorses ODPEM’s Hurricane Strap Campaign

The Incorporated Master Builders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ) has formally endorsed the ‘Strap Up Jamaica’ hurricane strap campaign, spearheaded by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

Under the theme ‘Build Jamaica’s Resilience, One Strap at a Time’, the initiative promotes safer roofing practices and encourages greater disaster preparedness among homeowners, builders, and contractors, with the goal of strengthening communities against severe weather events.

Speaking during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’, IMAJ President, Richard Mullings, highlighted that the use of hurricane straps is a critical measure in fortifying homes and buildings.

“The Master Builders Association is endorsing the ODPEM’s Hurricane Strap programme as a key technique for reinforcing the structure of your roof, as part of maintaining the integrity of your home and [other] buildings… [including] businesses that you depend on for your economic survival and your safety,” he said.

Mr. Mullings emphasised, however, that while hurricane straps play an important role, they represent only one element of sound construction practices.

He stressed that homeowners and builders must place greater focus on adhering to established building standards and codes to safeguard the long-term safety and durability of structures.

“In talking about safety and economics and building back better, especially in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, we have to look at standards… not just the standard of the actual physical construction but the standard of the practise of construction and how we build. The home tends to be the single greatest investment for an individual and for a family…; it is the shelter that protects your actual family, your person, your community,” Mr. Mullings stated.

He urges contractors and builders to invest in enhancing their technical expertise by pursuing training and certification programmes.

“[They should also] access resources such as information provided by the ODPEM in their Safe Building Practises Manual, and the HEART/NSTA Trust in terms of certification, training and retraining for those who have been in the industry,” the IMAJ President added.

According to Mr. Mullings, building in accordance with established standards may require higher upfront costs but it delivers substantial long-term benefits, including enhanced durability and greater resilience of both residential and commercial structures.

The Strap Up Jamaica campaign is scheduled to conclude on March 14.