ODPEM Relaunches Hurricane Strap Campaign to Boost Disaster Resilience

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has relaunched its ‘Strap Up Jamaica’ campaign, as part of intensified efforts to strengthen household resilience ahead of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane season.

The campaign, which aims to encourage safer roofing practices and greater disaster preparedness among homeowners, builders and contractors, will run until March 14 under the theme ‘Build Jamaica’s Resilience, One Strap at a Time’.

Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank on Thursday, (February 26), Information Officer at ODPEM, Joyce Reynolds Robinson said that the relaunch of the campaign comes at a critical time for the country.

“Considering the aftermath of Hurricanes Beryl and Melissa and with the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season just three months away, a major part of our responsibilities is to help you to protect your home, your family, your livelihood and, ultimately, lives. It’s against this background that we are strengthening our push for safer roofing practises through the relaunch of this campaign,” she said.

She pointed out that Strappy, the agency’s hurricane strap mascot, is being used to promote the messages of the campaign, which are focused on encouraging Jamaicans to build back better.

Mrs. Reynolds Robinson further indicated that hurricane straps are being promoted as a key protective measure, because of their ability to secure roofs during high winds.

“Hurricane straps will reduce wind damage to your home and will secure your roof to the wall plate… . They have been proven and tested to significantly reduce roof failure doing strong winds,” Mrs. Reynolds Robinson said.

“So, as we continue to promote building back better and stronger, ODPEM encourages homeowners, builders and contractors to secure your roof by using the hurricane straps and to retrofit your homes for greater durability and resilience, especially the vulnerable communities in the coastal areas,” she continued.

To emphasise the importance of hurricane straps, ODPEM has partnered with entities such as the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), the Incorporated Master Builders Association of Jamaica and the HEART/NSTA Trust.

“As a national disaster organisation, we have a clear responsibility to ensure Jamaicans are better able to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover and rehabilitate from any disaster,” Mrs. Reynolds Robinson stated.

Information on the Strap up Jamaica campaign is available on ODPEM’s social media platforms.