Growth & Jobs | Earthquake preparedness critical to limiting business damage and downtime

As Earthquake Awareness Month is observed, property management professional, Kerry Scott, is urging business operators to prioritise protection of their buildings, stressing that early investment in building integrity and disaster preparedness can significantly limit structural damage and reduce risks to employees and customers following an earthquake.

Scott, who is head of real estate and properties at JN Properties, noted that Jamaica’s location along active fault lines places businesses at ongoing earthquake risk, making the condition and structural strength of commercial buildings a critical determinant of how well they can withstand a major earthquake.

“Buildings that are properly constructed and consistently maintained are less likely to develop issues such as cracked foundations and weakened columns or roofs and are therefore far more likely to hold up during a strong earthquake. A well-maintained building can be the difference between minor repairs and extensive damage and the difference between a temporary disruption and extended closure,” Mr Scott said.

He underscored that strict adherence to the building code during construction and renovation projects is a fundamental risk-reduction measure for businesses, as these standards establish the minimum requirements for safe design.

“Engaging qualified professionals during construction is important to ensure that foundations and other structural elements are properly designed and built to approved standards,” Mr Scott emphasised.

JN Properties manages more than 130 commercial and residential properties across Jamaica, thereby enabling its personnel to have extensive insight into the types of vulnerabilities that can expose buildings to significant financial loss during a disaster.

Scott pointed out that older commercial buildings, in particular, can benefit from reinforcing foundations, columns, beams, and securing roofs, which can significantly reduce damage and associated repair expenses.

“At a minimum, businesses should ensure that comprehensive building condition assessments are conducted annually, supported by more detailed structural or engineering reviews every three to five years, especially for older or high-occupancy properties.”

He also stressed the importance of inspections immediately after an earthquake or hurricane.

“This allows potential issues to be identified early. From a business standpoint, the cost of preparation is almost always far less than the cost of repairs and prolonged disruption after a disaster,” he said.

“Unlike hurricanes, which typically provide advance warning, earthquakes will occur without notice, making ongoing preparedness essential for businesses at all times.”

Recent seismic activity underscores that risk. According to the Earthquake Unit at The University of the West Indies, seven earthquakes were felt in Jamaica in 2025, ranging from 3.1 to 4.2 in magnitude. On November 10, 2024, the island experienced two stronger earthquakes measuring 5.6 and 6.5 which occurred one hour apart.

Jamaica’s history further highlights the potential impact on commerce, having endured the devastating 1692 earthquake that destroyed much of Port Royal and the 1907 event that left large sections of Kingston in ruins.

Beyond structural concerns, Mr Scott stressed that businesses should also address non-structural hazards.

“Reducing earthquake risk is also about securing heavy furniture, shelving units, filing cabinets, stored goods and equipment, as well as ensuring that light fixtures, ceiling fans and other suspended fittings are properly fastened. These steps can significantly reduce injuries and damage within the workplace.”

“Businesses that invest in preparedness measures, including training staff how to respond, are far more likely to resume their operations quickly after an earthquake,” Mr Scott maintained.

Earthquake Awareness Month is being observed this year under the theme “Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake.”