Biography
Biography: Angela E Robinson
Abstract
The issue of Hurricane (Typhoon) Preparedness is of great importance to all islands or continents with land in the Tropical Zones of the World of significance is the processes for such preparedness as it pertains to buildings, safety, health, financial security, property insurance, sustainability and well being. In the Northern Hemisphere these weather conditions are called Hurricanes having their own seasons starting in June and ending in early November, Typhoons also follow this pattern except they exist in the Southern Hemisphere. Predictions, climate change, severity and knowledge are the most important factors people who inhabit these hurricane zones face in becoming prepared each year, which can be financially costly even with loss of life sometimes. Hence the importance of correct building preparedness is put in place in order to aid in averting widespread disasters such as destruction of buildings and flooding.
NOAA and other international weather experts and specially created governmental agencies has taken the lead in advisories pertaining to such weather conditions (eg) ODPEM, UNICEF – Jamaica W.I.
This Abstract is to highlight the use of building codes and standards in the construction industry as well as the building construction methods and materials used during maintenance, financial overview and legislation to oversee these aspects. Building designs should give clear details of roofing systems (e.g.) timber framed structures and roofs, use of hurricane straps and other fasteners and fixtures used to secure building materials structurally, roof drains, gutters and pitch of roofs (geometrical alignment). The correct foundation suitable for the soil type and height of floor level in waterlogged areas. Windows and doors style and types and the use of shutters to prevent water and wind access. Concrete structures and slab roofs details to ensure the concrete mix design, reinforcement and roof designs (concrete slab or timber), Legislation to prevent the building of shacks / plywood houses on river sides, gully banks or sea sides. Modern buildings (skyscrapers) to be equipped with adequate water storage and back up electricity, internet wi-fi etc. Funding, or lack of, also dictates the recovery processes hence the necessity of home and disaster insurance, mandatory saving or access to public funds through the Income Tax system to aid in the recovery processes. Active building preventative maintenance processes for the re-securing of timber framed structures and roof, inspection and replacement of faulty or damaged members, windows, doors and shutters. Inspection of concrete structures, slab roofs for leaks and rigidity of all structures for expected wind conditions. With legislation making the adherence to building codes and standards mandatory the incidence of climate change occurrences, hurricanes and typhoons should become less disastrous thus ensuring better management of these weather patterns and seasons by the population.