The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) is predicting another above-normal Atlantic Hurricane Season in 2021. Given that the season officially started on 1st June, Keston Howell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sagicor General Insurance Inc is encouraging property owners in the Eastern Caribbean to take the necessary preparations to guard against the risks of adverse weather conditions. While the focus is often on hurricanes, any weather system classified as a storm can bring flooding and devastation to communities.
Mr. Howell had some helpful advice for persons to get prepared. “Taking preventative measures may assist in reducing property damage and enable you to quickly respond to adverse circumstances and keep you and your family safe. This is very important given that we are managing the risks of hurricanes and/or tropical storms during a global pandemic.”
“Property owners should check their roofs, windows, doors or other openings and ensure that they are secure and able to withstand high winds and heavy rain. Installing hurricane straps on the roof can help to minimise it being torn off during high wind activity. Consider trimming trees that are close to your home as they can fall due to storm-level winds, causing damage you may have otherwise avoided. Keep your yard free of debris and other items that may be picked up by high winds.”
Howell also reminded citizens to secure all important documents in waterproof containers or bags, and prepare an emergency kit with medical supplies, emergency equipment and food and water in case you are without water or power or need to leave your home as a result of a storm.
“The last three years have demonstrated that the Caribbean must continue to be vigilant in order to prevent or minimize catastrophic losses, especially since our region is still struggling from the toll that the Covid 19 pandemic has taken on many Caribbean economies.”
Of course, businesses can also protect their assets. Howell asserted that “in a changing workplace environment which has embraced a hybrid model of remote and in-office work, it is important for business to develop and/or update their business continuity plans to take these changing circumstances into account. Advance preparation can make it easier for businesses to recover and avoid the more serious effects of an active hurricane season.”
About Sagicor General Insurance Inc (SGI) SGI is one of the longest standing general insurance companies in the Caribbean, with operations in Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. The company offers a wide range of auto, home, travel and business insurance protection. SGI maintains a solid reputation for efficiency and excellent client service, with an impeccable record of settling claims quickly. Through a corporate social responsibility programme focused on the development of youth, Sagicor General plays an active role in the communities of which it is a part. Since 2002, SGI has achieved its A. M. Best rating of A- (Excellent), which reflects the company’s profitable operating performance, prudent underwriting leverage, regional market presence and parental support. SGI is a subsidiary of Sagicor Life Inc
