Jun 18, 2018
How to Prepare for and Recover from Tornadoes

{Sponsored} While certain regions of the U.S. are frequented by tornadoes nearly every year, most areas can experience tornadoes on an unexpected basis. Being prepared for the steps necessary before the sirens sound — and being able to recover quickly are imperative for your business’ continued success.

Federal nursery crop insurance is a must when dealing with the aftermath, but taking the right steps before the twister strikes will help speed up the recovery process.

Always be sure your insurance plan is up to date for any construction done on your property.
Know which breakers need to be shut down during a tornado watch or warning to prevent secondary disasters such as fires or explosions from happening in the event your property is impacted by the tornado.
Inspect and prepare emergency equipment before tornado season starts.
Always maintain an accurate inventory and keep a backup of the inventory off-site; when paper or electronic records could be lost, backups might be the only way to prove your stock levels on an insurance claim.
During tornado warnings, park trucks and tractors against sturdy buildings.
Greenhouse doors are often only latched with a bolt that could come loose in high winds. Block doors that open in with heavy objects.
It is highly recommended that any structural openings in your greenhouses remain shut once winds are estimated to hit the 55 mile per hour mark.
Check all structural connections and tighten bolts and plastic sheeting prior to the start of the season.
Have an evacuation plan in place and run drills with your employees.
Prepare reserves of clean water, food and first aid supplies in your shelter, especially in the case that employees live on your property.

When the worst case happens and your greenhouses are damaged by a tornado, these steps will increase the speed of recovery:

Call your insurance agent as soon as danger has passed.
Gather your records and transmit them to the insurance company.
Walk the property and take photographs of any obvious damage.
Do not go near downed power lines, and call the power company and 911 if you see downed lines.

As with any construction or renovation, be sure to consult a structural engineer to ensure the greenhouse can withstand 100 mile per hour winds with minimal damage.

For more information, visit the Hortica® website at www.hortica.com.

Hortica® property and casualty coverages are underwritten, and loss control services are provided, by Florists’ Mutual Insurance Company and Florists’ Insurance Company, members of the Sentry Insurance Group. For more information, visit hortica.com. Policies, coverages, benefits and discounts are not available in all states. See policy for complete coverage details.