The Hurricane Matthew Story

The Hurricane Matthew Story

In October 2016, Category 4 Hurricane Matthew battered Les Cayas, Haiti. At the time, 200 Sukup Safe T Homes were already constructed in the area.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration defines a Category 4 hurricane as winds with the potential to do major damage, and includes sustained winds of 130-156 mph. “Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.”

In this devastating hurricane, only 10% of traditional housing survived. However, 100% of the Sukup Safe T Homes survived with only minor damage. In one instance, up to 60 people crowded into the shelter to ride out the storm. The Safe T Home may have saved their lives.