Sagicor emphasises importance of preparedness

With a total of 18 named storms forecast for this year’s hurricane season, nine being hurricanes, of which four are expected to be category 3 or higher, Sagicor General Insurance (SGI) is urging Barbadians to ensure they are adequately prepared for the remainder of the season, especially following the experience of Hurricane Elsa.

According to Mark Prescott, SGI’s Vice President – Insurance Operations, the regional insurer received just under 300 insurance claim reports as a result of the impact of the first hurricane to hit Barbados in 65 years, with 80 per cent of these related to residential property damage.

Of those homes impacted, 50 per cent reported damage to roofs, with incidents involving fencing and palings accounting for another 13 per cent.

“This was the first hurricane to directly impact Barbados in more than six decades, and despite it only being a Category 1 system, we saw the level of damage that it caused across the island and to our utility infrastructure, commercial operations and road network,” said Prescott.

“The fact that predictions for the season speak to the expectation of this type of ‘above normal’ activity, means that we should not sit back and hope that nothing happens, but rather that we should prepare as meticulously as possible for any eventuality.”
He therefore encouraged Barbadians to follow the many pieces of advice relative to hurricane preparedness, in an effort to limit the amount of damage that could be potentially caused by a passing tropical wave, storm or hurricane, all of which could result in flooding.

“Checking roofs, windows, doors and the walls of your property for and repairing any cracks or weak areas is the best course of action,” stated Prescott.

“By reducing the potential for damage through repairing or reinforcing key areas, you can significantly minimise any potential discomfort to you and your family.

“The long-time insurance executive stated that in addition to inspecting their property and taking the time to execute repairs to help it withstand the elements and reduce the potential for damage and destruction, owners should review their insurance policy to make sure all details are up to date and that the level of coverage is accurate.

“After spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a home or commercial property, the thought of having to use their own financial resources to repair, rebuild or replace due to storm damage is a daunting one. Insurance therefore provides them with the peace of mind that if their structure were to indeed suffer the worst, they can have a home or an office to return to, thanks to Sagicor being there for them financially as we have been for our clients across the region for decades,” Prescott said.

He also encouraged all property owners and renters to make a detailed list of their possessions and valuables and seriously consider a contents insurance package. (PR)