No matter where you may be in the U.S., the arrival of Spring is always welcome. Warmer temperatures go hand in hand with the start of a busy landscaping season, laying the groundwork for revenue and profitability. But like most good things, the busy season is not without risk. With Spring comes the start of the storm season. Taking steps to prepare ahead of time can help mitigate losses and ease your stress level.
Severe winds are especially destructive. According to the Weather Channel, the U.S. averages 1,000 tornadoes every year. Texas and Kansas average the most, while other parts of the Plains and Midwest also have a high number of tornadoes each year. Multiple straight line winds in excess of 60 mph are not uncommon. Tornados can develop so rapidly that you may have little, if any advance warning. According to The Hartford, wind and hail damage account for 15% of all small business claims, with an average claim cost of $26,000. Depending on the nature of your business, you could be at a greater risk of loss from high winds. If you own property or equipment, you are you face costly damage and replacement risk. Greenhouses and nurseries are especially susceptible to having greater losses due to the delicate nature of building structures and d inventory. When you understand your risks you can plan and protect your business accordingly.
Although severe weather is most likely to occur between March and September, historically we’ve seen damaging storms in every month of the year. Taking a proactive approach to severe weather preparedness can help lessen the amount of damage your business sustains. The safety of your staff and customers is top-priority during a weather event. What happens if severe weather strikes during business hours? What steps should your employees take when there is an impending weather event? Creating an emergency action plan, like this one provided by CDC.gov, can help avoid unnecessary chaos and promote safety.
Train your crew to be aware of the following danger signs:
- Dark, often greenish sky
- Large hail
- A large, dark, low-lying cloud—particularly if rotating
- Loud roar, similar to a freight train
- If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately
It’s nearly impossible to avoid damages during the most severe storms, but there are steps you can take to reduce the amount of loss you sustain. First and foremost, make sure that your insurance agent is aware of the scope of your business and all property you own and use for business purposes. Your agent’s goal is to ensure you are properly covered. Next, take action to help reduce the amount of damage you withstand with these helpful tips:
- Inspect and repair roofs, loose siding and broken venting
- Secure items that may become projectiles during a wind event
- Inspect large trees for broken, weak and overhanging limbs
- Have a stand-by power source
- Garage your vehicles
- Back-up your computer data on a regular basis
- Protect your greenhouses from high winds with these tips from Greenhouse Magazine