KINGSTON, Jamaica — As a critical first step in preparing for earthquakes, homeowners are being urged to ensure that their dwellings are designed and built to code.

Because there is no season for earthquakes and they give little or no warnings,  earthquake preparedness can seem like a daunting task.

But, past president of the Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ), Lenworth Kelly, said buildings can be prepared for the tremor.

“We will experience natural phenomena. They become disasters based on how prepared we are or not. I encourage, particularly homeowners, to ensure that every structure, whether you rent, buy or dwell, including public buildings – enquire, ask questions, ‘was this building designed and built to code? Is this building being maintained according to current code’?” Kelly said.

A proper engineering analysis, appropriate design construction and executing the proper maintenance in accordance with the most up-to-date National Building Codes, are significant steps that can be taken to mitigate the effects of an earthquake, he said, at a recent JIS Think Tank.

This year, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) observes Earthquake Awareness Week from January 11 to 17, under the theme ‘Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake’.

With Hurricane Melissa destroying and severely compromising the safety of many buildings last October – both commercial and residential – how we rebuild takes on added significance.

For his part, Senior Building Officer with the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), Duane Allison, said whether individuals are rebuilding or modifying, this must be done in accordance with the Building Act (2018).

“Building codes are the laws that ensure that buildings are safe for people to occupy. Based on Jamaica’s geographical location we are highly prone to earthquakes. What makes earthquakes dangerous is the effect they have on buildings, especially buildings that are not approved and are poorly maintained,” he noted.

“Because these buildings fall outside of the Building Act and the international building codes, they are far more likely to suffer severe damage or collapse. Before commencing construction, it is important that you seek approval from the KSAMC to ensure that your building is safe and covered under the building act and laws centred around safety,”Allison continued.

Part of the process for ensuring buildings are up to code includes input from the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB).

Public Education Officer with the JFB, Superintendent Emeleo Ebanks, said though “we have some of the best building codes in the world, adhering to them is what really makes them effective”.

“To the persons who are building, the Jamaica Fire Brigade ensures that we go out there and we do pre-inspections. We do inspections during the building phase to ensure that the codes are adhered to,” he said.

While the JFB and municipal corporations have a responsibility to implement monitoring and enforcement measures to ensure that building codes are obeyed, citizens have a responsibility as well.

Kelly said before buying homes, whether they are newly built or aged, a structural engineer’s report should be secured.

“You are not sure what you are getting, you are seeing walls and a roof, so you really need to get one. Even if it is not required by the lending agency, you need it just for your peace of mind. If you are going to build somewhere, you want to ensure that you are in the right places. There are some areas that are just no-build zones… there are some hillsides you are not to build on,” he emphasised.

“There are unstable slopes that are perhaps too steep; there could be watersheds too. So, there is a whole range of places that you are not supposed to build. Once you find a location that is okay for you to build, you must check the soil. It must be a stable slope and be of suitable bearing capacity,” Kelly explained.

Houses built on unsuitable soil may sink, collapse or experience severe cracking. The soil type also informs the specific design to be used for the house.

Kelly recommends that test pits are done to determine soil type before building. Test pits which are also known as trial pits are shallow, temporary excavations made before building.

They are used to examine soil, rock, and groundwater and are crucial for assessing ground conditions for foundation design.

“Clay usually dictates a different kind of design from the usual strip footing most people are accustomed to. The contractor must be so knowledgeable that if he goes, excavates and realises that the soil type is unsuitable for good bearing, he should tell the client, and the professional who did the design should also be alerted,” Kelly said.

“It can be a faulty design based on the soil type; also based on the slope and not retaining your slope. Know what’s there and understand how you design for what’s there and build what is designed. With Melissa we have seen what shortcuts do and not paying attention to the details,” he continued.

With one felt earthquake already recorded for 2026 at a magnitude of 3.1, it is a timely reminder to ensure buildings are as prepared as we can make them.

Kelly said while earthquake drills are important and potentially lifesaving, they are a response to natural hazards.

“Our best preparedness for earthquakes is what we do while we are building and maintaining these structures. Be vigilant, be safe,” he encouraged.

–       JIS