For six months each year—June 1 to November 30—the watch is on for hurricanes in the Atlantic. That’s when 97 percent of tropical activity occurs. Here are some tips to help you prepare your business if a storm hits:
- Survey your property: Check all greenhouse bracing to make sure it’s secure. Clear drainage systems so water can flow away quickly. Pick up loose items around your business that could become airborne in high winds.
- Protect your investments: Fill trucks and trailers with valuable plants and park them next to sturdy buildings.
- Be ready with backups: Gather your business files and records—including an updated inventory of all the plants you have in stock. They should be backed up on a regular basis with copies kept in a safe area off site. Having records on hand will speed up your claim process.
- Prepare the building: Determine the areas where power should be shut off and in what order. Also, rent or purchase a generator to help deal with an extended power outage.
- Plan ahead: Create a response plan to protect employees and your property. It should include emergency instructions, evacuation guidelines, and a chain of command.
- Practice your plan: Review your hurricane response plan quarterly and look for areas that might need revising. If there’s time before a storm hits, walk through the procedures to make sure everything is ready.