BLACK RIVER, St Elizabeth — Residents of New Town who have managed to reconstruct their roofs after last October’s Hurricane Melissa, say they aren’t taking any chances this hurricane season, utilising reinforcement to secure their houses.

For roof carpenter Andre Bigby and retiree Stennet Lewis, optimism is high that building materials being used can withstand a major hurricane.

“I brought down most of the hurricane straps from the United States (US) and the galvanised nails, as well as roofing shingles. We are using the two-by-six [lumber], so we are getting prepared for everything, hopefully, that by the time hurricanes come everything will be finished and I can come home and live peacefully and relax,” Lewis said on Friday while watching a work crew rebuild the roof of his home in New Town, Black River.