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He who feels it knows it, and I can speak authoritatively on the damage, including ripped off roof, fallen light posts with dangling wires blocking property entrances, uprooted trees, others with broken limbs, fallen fences, debris scattered everywhere and of course, the complete lack of utilities, following the passage of hurricane Melissa.

Yes, this is my personal experience at my home in Trelawny, and yes, I am a girl from the Trelawny yam belt. So I can relate to fellow Jamaicans across the west where Hurricane Melissa was the equal opportunity destroyer.

The trusted tarpaulin kept the continued showers at bay as the interior of the house was already akin to a swimming pool. What was important was gaining access to the property by the removal of the obstructing Jamaica Public Service (JPS) pole and wires from both entrances.    

Instinctively, protection of the home kicked in while plans for rebuilding got underway. But the main question was “where to begin” with so much to do.

Oh yes, the property is insured so it was important to contact the Insurer immediately to report the damage, as there is a process to activate claim. While cleaning up the premises is the first step, I dared not begin until the Insurance Assessor came to evaluate the damage. Everything had to remain intact and in plain sight. 

How to file Insurance Claims

1. Peruse the Insurance Policy to identify the applicable coverage for deductibles and exclusions.
2. Prior to cleaning up, record the damage using photographs and videos.
3. Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
4. Get contractors’ estimates from legitimate individuals or companies including costs of building supplies, transportation and labour and timelines for completion.
5. File claims as soon as possible to get in line for processing. Ascertain the steps and identify a contact officer. Keep all records in the event of disputes and denials.

A.   STEPS TO REBUILDING

When the all-clear is given by the Insurance Assessor to commence the rebuilding while the insurance claim is being filed, the following activities must take place:

1. Gain access to the property after JPS has removed the fallen post with wires blocking both entrances.
2. Arrange for debris collection and removal.
3. Select and hire contractor(s) to provide estimates for the following:
4. Debris removal – roofing, fencing, falling trees and branches.
   • Water extraction – house interior
   • Draining and debris removal from swimming pool 
   • Demolition of remaining damaged structures – roofing, fencing, tree trunks.
   • Rebuilding structures including roof, ceiling, fences and pool repairs.

B.    RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS

Self-assessment of the cost of:    

• Water extraction from the house
• Clearing debris
• Sourcing building materials including: –
  • Roofing – external tiles and internal ceiling, paraphernalia and paints.
  • Fencing to protect the perimeter of the property
  • A labour force experienced in building practices
• Financing: Personal and Insurance

It is overwhelming just to think of not only where to begin but also the energy and strength required to tackle such a project. While help may be available, managing such an undertaking will test the will of even the most experienced, let alone a neophyte in these matters.

Where does one begin and how long will it last? Get professional help!  

C.   MANAGING TO ‘BUILD BACK BETTER’ 

The aim is not just to rebuild a structure after the hurricane but to create a stronger, more sustainable infrastructure. In my case, the hurricane exposed original construction defects in the roof which led to extensive damage to both the external roof and the internal ceiling. Hence, rebuilding presented the opportunity to build according to code for a more resilient structure.

Most importantly, activities to achieve the goal of ‘build back better’ must be managed, hence the selection of a contractor is paramount. Work starts with a sound relationship and the experience of the contractor staying on track by managing risks, controlling costs, coordinating diverse work teams and sub-contractors and managing the use of materials from start to finish, as well as the insistence on meeting completion timelines.

Be prepared to track progress against promised schedules, budgets and quality standards, and hold the contractor to corrective actions for issues and delays. Be assured, I encountered all of these, coupled with the vagaries of utility providers.

Take responsibility for final checks against promised delivery by walking through to ensure compliance as this is the basis to settle final accounts.

The steps that underpin the case for my ‘build back better’ was planned and facilitated by  surprise site visits and open communication.

LESSONS LEARNED

Documented information and established communication lines with all concerned are the foundation for a successful build back better infrastructure. Know your limitations and get help from the start. Benefit from the expertise of the contractors for the future upkeep of the newly restored infrastructure.

Be prepared for future disasters.

I have a new respect for Tarpaulins and a generator.

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Dr. M. Audrey Stewart-Hinchcliffe, CD, JP, BA, M.Sc., DBE (h.c.) is the Chairman of  Manpower & Maintenance Services (MMS) Limited Group