Red Cross assists two homeowners with safer roofs

In it’S continued effort to assist the most vulnerable, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross has come to the rescue of two homeowners, assisting them with the reconstruction of safer, more resilient roofs.{{more}}

Reconstruction of the house roofs followed a workshop that took place at Joachim and Associates, in which, close to 20 participants were trained in skills of building safer roofs, including the use of hurricane straps; reinforcement of wooden and concrete houses and the proper building of foundations.

The workshop was facilitated by Emeline Decoray, a construction specialist with the French Red Cross, and targeted carpenters and builders who, it is hoped, will share the knowledge received with other community members.

Giving participants tips on how to prepare a house before a disaster occurs, Decoray stated that when building or repairing a house, a simple measure like the inclusion of hurricane straps will improve the structural integrity of the house.

Cecelia Grant, one of the beneficiaries, commented: “I am grateful that my house roof is being repaired”. Currently residing with family members, she expressed joy at the idea of her and her three children being able to move back into their home.

Participants from the workshop assisted in the reconstruction of the roofs and included volunteers from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross and the Ministry of Housing. Material for the reconstruction of the roofs was provided by the Ministry of Housing.