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Expecting the unexpected, all at once.

In the Caribbean, the elements have always been our challenge.

Our year has so far been filled with the COVID-19 pandemic evolving the way we work, live and see ourselves and our future.

We have changed the way we do things, woken up to a global condition and, somewhat successfully begun the learning process for ‘the new normal’.

The Caribbean construction industry, appears to have risen to the challenge and has embraced careful reopening.  Sites are largely organised, from entry to exit, encompassing sanitisation, distancing, protective clothing and masks and separate protocols for the use of essential equipment.

Having weathered this coronavirus, we must always return to preparations for our annual conditions, heightened by water shortages and Sahara dust.  

What if all of our potential troubles arrive at the same time?  

A tropical storm leaning towards a hurricane, drought conditions and a resurgence of COVID-19 are about to converge.  Are we prepared for the next 72 hours, or the next three weeks and what should we have done to protect ourselves and this unforeseen event?

We must absorb our personal rules to control the pandemic, with our other rules of safety in the event of tropical storms, hurricanes and temporary loss of the things we take for granted,

by addressing the following:

  • Secure roof and walls of your building, by making an assessment of the structure.
    If you wish, you should ask a professional to assist you, such as a contractor or handyman.
  • Clear all drains and run offs, on and off the property.
  • Make adequate provision for potable water, plus rainwater harvesting.
  • Collect non perishable foodstuffs, medical supplies, bedding, clothing and lamps, radios, tools etc.
  • Designate a large enough ‘safe space’, near toilet and cooking facilities, to include frequent sanitisation and safe distancing.

Read this article which addresses a disaster plan in detail.

Storms and Common Sense
With the incidence and magnitude of our recent storms, its only common sense to ‘up our game’ in practical terms, to meet these new forces of nature. It’s always time to be smart about safety, but now we must be as proactive as possible to protect our families and property.

ECMIL’s input to this list, is a ready supply of reliable steel materials, to meet all the structural and water storage upgrades you require.

With a comprehensive selection of durable products, designed to resist the ravages of storm weather, we can reinforce and extend the life of your property.

With attractive ZINCALUME® and COLORBOND® galvanised roof sheeting, in three profiles and 13 classic colours, rebar and welded mesh, custom and standard sized water tanks, PVC and CPVC piping and electrical conduit, our products are regionally renowned and readily available.

At ECMIL we want to know that your project, big or small, is a success.  Knowing our products and how they can be used goes a long way to achieving this. That’s why our sales staff are knowledgeable and helpful. 

Contact us today and let us help you be prepared for every combination at this unpredictable time. 



NB. This is a news article for general information purposes only, not intended, at any point, to contradict or supersede official government directives in separate states, throughout the Caribbean region.  Please refer to local standards and protocols accordingly, prior to taking appropriate action.  As an incentive to the reader, information should be researched and advice sought from architectural and construction professionals, to confirm that the ideas expressed are possible within the building codes of their territory, or within the limitations of their construction's architecture.  ECMIL only recommends their own products and third party products which they supply, as part of their company's construction solutions to customers.