Hurricane Melissa Showed Why Emergency Funds Matter at Every Level

Hurricane Melissa Showed Jamaica Why Emergency Funds Matter at Every Level

When Hurricane Melissa hit the western parishes, the government's parametric coverage triggered quickly and released cash to start recovery. That is what planning looks like before a crisis. Households need the same idea at home: cash ready before the storm.

The Real Issue

Resilience is a financing strategy. Jamaica layered tools—the Contingencies Fund, CCRIF, and a World Bank-arranged catastrophe bond—so money flows when triggers are met. Families can layer too: savings, insurance, and sensible credit lines set up in calm weather.

What the Numbers Say

• A dedicated emergency fund covers the first 30–60 days of disruption without debt.
• Insurance then does the heavy lifting on rebuilding, medical costs, and income protection.

What To Do Next

1. Add up one month of essential costs (housing, food, transport, utilities).
2. Automate transfers into a separate high-liquidity account until you reach 3–6 months.
3. Pair savings with coverage: review life, critical illness, and income protection.

Final Note

If the country can pre-fund disaster response, your household can pre-fund breathing room. Plan before the clouds gather.