Continued from previous page Portions of roofs, tree branches, garbage cans, outdoor furniture and construction debris can become truly lethal missiles on the winds of a major hurricane. (Photo by Fr. Bowe) One of the most dramatic features of a major hurricane is the nature and extent of flying debris. Debris driven by hurricane force winds can do extensive damage. Portions of roofs, tree branches, garbage cans, outdoor furniture and construction debris cam become truly lethal missiles on the winds of a major hurricane. One of the ways in which major hurricanes cause indirect damage is through the impact of “horizontal rain”. If you have not experienced it, you might find it hard to believe. The force of the winds is enough to send the rain forward parallel with the ground at building level. Most buildings, especially houses, are designed for normal rain that falls vertically; horizontal rain can cause extensive interior flooding. CREATING RESILIENCE TO HURRICANE WINDS It is important that we accept hurricanes as a part of the reality of Caribbean life that requires human behavioural change to promote higher levels of resilience. Experts in some quarters are predicting that hurricanes might become more powerful in the years ahead. Should that forecast prove to be accurate then we must bear the following in mind: in hurricanes, the wind force increases exponentially. This means that in a hurricane, that is 25 mph stronger, the force of the winds will be 73% greater. Countries should have cohesive policies for Disaster Risk Reduction in relation to all hazards particularly land zoning and physical planning All our member states should work to create or revise their building codes and ensure that the appropriate resistance requirements for wind damage are included along with provisions for all major hazards Rigorous standards should be introduced and maintained for construction materials to promote resistance to all hurricane hazards. The standards should be backed up with relevant, modernised laws and regulations The training that is formally provided in construction methods should be standardised to ensure the acquisition of skills and techniques related to hazards The mechanisms that are used for building inspection should be vigorously implemented in all sectors. 14
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