Prepare your greenhouse for hurricane season

{Sponsored}  The eastern U.S. coast is on high alert from June 1 to Nov. 30 for hurricane season. Although 97 percent of tropical activity occurs in this time, hurricanes can still be unpredictable. There are several steps you can take before, during and after a hurricane to limit damage.

It’s important to fully understand the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning. A hurricane watch is issued when a hurricane is possible within the next 24 to 36 hours. A hurricane warning is issued when winds have exceeded 74 mph. High water and rough seas are usually also expected within the next 24 hours. The National Hurricane Center offers updates on watches and warnings at www.nhc.noaa.gov.

Protect your investments from a hurricane by planning ahead. Develop a response plan and check for weak spots that may need to be reinforced. A well developed plan will save you time when preparing for a hurricane, especially in the event of an evacuation. Take the following precautionary measures to minimize damage.

• Unplug electrical equipment to prevent a surge when power returns.
• Secure facilities by checking greenhouse bracing and clearing drainage systems.
• Check for any areas that may need additional security measures.
• Move valuable plants inside of trucks and trailers, and park the vehicles next to sturdy buildings.

There are several things you will need to check on after a hurricane.

• If employees were on-site during a hurricane, ensure all present are accounted for and uninjured. Call emergency services immediately if a staff member is in need of medical attention.
• Identify any safety hazards, such as plugged drains, downed power lines and downed trees.
• Analyze the condition of equipment and buildings. Make detailed notes of any damage and take photos and video. Contact your insurance agent immediately.
• Get a head start on repairs by temporarily fixing what is salvageable.
• Communicate with staff and employees the condition of your facilities, what the next steps are and what is being done to ensure customer needs are still being met.

After a hurricane or other natural disaster, contact your Hortica® agent immediately. A delay in reaching out to your insurance agent may result in a delay in the claims process. Be prepared to supply the value of damaged items and receipts.

For more information, visit www.hortica.com or contact a Hortica® insurance agent.

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. 77-41F                                                                                                          24001970 6/21/17