Dec 12, 2018
Natural disasters and their impact on your greenhouse

{Sponsored} Natural disasters are inevitable and unpredictable. Across the country, greenhouses and nurseries experience major losses — from structural damages to crop loss — due to hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and more.

Hurricanes & Flooding

States along the East Coast annually prepare for hurricanes from June to November — when 97 percent of tropical activity occurs, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Tropical cyclones are the most costly of the weather and climate disasters, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF IFAS) estimate the state’s nursery/greenhouse industry had $436 million in production losses due to Hurricane Irma in 2017. After Hurricane Michael, UF IFAS economists estimated $39 million in losses for greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production.

Although some regions are more prone to certain disasters — for example, flooding — you can never consider yourself free of risk. In fact, more than 20 percent of flood claims come from properties that are outside of high-risk flood zones, FEMA reports. Hurricane Harvey in 2017 was the most significant tropical cyclone rainfall event in United States history, according to the National Hurricane Center. It dropped historic amounts of rainfall of more than 60 inches over southeastern Texas. The storm also produced heavy rain over Louisiana, with a peak amount of 23.71 inches recorded.

In addition to heavy rain, hurricanes bring strong winds that can destroy greenhouse operations. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew flattened or nearly flattened 7,200 nursery acres, according to the Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscapers Association (FNGLA). UF IFAS reports 1,300 acres of nursery structures and 4,000 woody ornamental crops were damaged or destroyed. Total losses were estimated at $206 million.

Wildfires

The 2017-2018 California wildfire season spared major greenhouse areas but ravaged 1,381,405 acres in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Approximately $180 billion in damages were attributed to the fire season. While wildfires are often associated with California, they can strike anywhere.

Tornadoes

The U.S. experiences an average of more than 1,000 tornadoes each year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports. Two regions in the U.S. have a high frequency of tornadoes: Florida and the south-central United States, known as “Tornado Alley.”

It’s important to remember that your business is never 100 percent risk-free from experiencing a natural disaster. In many cases, these disasters grow from smaller events or can cause additional threats. For example, a spring thaw can lead to flooding; tornadoes can lead to power outages; human error can spark fires that grow out of control.

Review your policy and make sure to have all your bases covered. Consider where your operation is located and recent trends in weather-related and non-weather related disasters. View resources available on the Hortica® website to learn more about protecting your business and minimizing risk.

Want more information? Contact us at 800-541-5082, or visit hortica.com.

Hortica® property and casualty coverages are underwritten, and loss control services are provided, by Florists’ Mutual Insurance Company, Florists’ Insurance Company, and Florists’ Insurance Service, Inc., Edwardsville, IL, 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.

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