The islands have already encountered the expected wind speeds and coastal damage, power outages and in many cases agonising loss, but the most outstanding threat must be water.

Torrential rains and flooding have become nature’s recurrent nightmare.  It has thrown drainage systems into chaos, undermined coastal structures, created vast amounts of costly damage and in the case of Fiona and Ian, dealt Puerto Rico and everything else in their path, a bitter warning of things to come.

We have discussed on many occasions, the need for solid, reliable plans at domestic, community and national levels, to at least minimise these threats to our countries, our livelihoods and our very lives.

In the main, we have witnessed a distinct upsurge in Colorbond® and Zincalume® roof sheeting and water management materials, across the region, in the past 18 months, reinforcing our suggestion that steel, good guttering and PVC runoffs have become the norm and the construction industry standard.

One can only hope that as we have diligently managed the rainwater in and round our homes, island Ministries of Works have also risen to the challenge of providing, securing and improving main and storm drainage, to alleviate the compounded risk to our communities.

In the same way as the sea, as they say, has no branches, so accumulated flood water is an often unstoppable force, washing away everything in its destructive path.

It is, therefore, imperative that we listen to and understand those responsible for the collective organisation of storm mitigation in our territories and at our personal and domestic level, maintain our properties to reduce damage and make decisive plans, to reduce risk and injury within our own families.

There are three clearly defined phases for consideration; before, during and after the storm.  Each requires a ‘worst case scenario’ approach.

Inevitably, ‘Before’ is our best possible opportunity to get as much as we can in place.  From home maintenance, drainage, cleaning and tidying, to food and water supplies and provisions for pets as well as family.  Also make provision for lighting, cooking, toilets bathing and dry clothing.  Stay informed by radio, and for the time you have service, internet, especially for official announcements.

It’s always hard to test what you have done in dry weather, so at the first sign of rain, be vigilant and see if your maintenance works.  Also, make sure your family is up to speed with the plan. The rule of thumb: with the first sign of bad weather, be safe and stay close to home, with a plan B location in the event of damage.

‘During’ needs vigilance and patience. You’ve locked everything down and made your preparations.  So, just like the days of COVID, gather in safety, and await the all clear.  This may be a number of hours.

‘After’ may be problematic.  Storms displace everything which was not secured, so have cleaning materials and maintenance tools and materials near at hand.

If you are fortunate to have little damage, help your neighbours who may well have difficulties.  That way, working together, you will overcome the problems quickly.

We have prepared our helpful article in pdf format.
‘Storms and Common Sense’.

This will provide a road map
to steer you to a safe annual plan of action.

Please download and read, then make a list of materials which you will need to improve and secure your property.

Over the past forty years we have witnessed many storms and taken part in the rebuilding of many communities. 
ECMIL’s comprehensive range of products have been tried
and tested in very real and often adverse circumstances
and we have listened and learned from our customers’ experiences across the region.

Whether it’s roof sheeting, gutters and PVC pipes, or rebar and welded mesh, we are the front line of regional steel and PVC suppliers. 

Call our highly experienced sales staff who will guide you to the best possible combination of reliable and durable materials at
ex-factory prices.

That’s why we are ECMIL The Steel of The Region

If you are a construction professional, individual or company,
we would like to hear from you.

ECMIL services a diversity of building professionals across many territories in the region, as well as independent home owners and home developers, seeking our products and information. They often encounter difficulties accessing contact information for local construction pros.

Our website and newsletter are well established and are gateways for information, connection and commerce.
We wish to expand our platform to create a hub where both of these groups can interact, through a fully functional directory.

The potential customer can easily find contacts and tradesmen seldom miss a call, or a job.

Please provide us with the following:

• Your contact name and company name (if appropriate)
• Your location (island, village or town) and address
• Your contact details: Telephone/fax number/
  Whatsapp/ Facebook/ Instagram, etc
• A comprehensive list of your skills.
• Any other information, such as company logo, photos of work etc. to assist potential customers.
• Please indicate if you can supply written quotations and contracts.
• Please indicate if you have worked with or purchased our products in the past.

This is a realistic service and opportunity to get noticed.  
Our golden rule is that 
we will never offer what we can’t deliver.  

We expect those offering their services to do the same.  
It’s our experience that if the work is good, more work will come.

The construction industry needs work at all levels,
especially in the islands of the Caribbean.

When you contact us, we will review every submission and develop a fresh approach to advertising our industry and do our best to get you noticed.

Contact us today at: construction@ecmil.net

Our Latest Brochure is now available!

ECMIL has always been about quality,
durability, affordability, and choice.

Our range of items has increased over the years, to meet your demand for fresh styles, colours, and advanced technology.

With that in mind, we now offer our 2022 Online Brochure, to better assist your efforts to improve your home or business and secure your future with the best quality steel products.  And remember, all at ex-factory pricing!

That's why we are ECMIL - The Steel of The Region!