Every year, fires cause over $1 billion in damage to non-residential buildings. Horticultural businesses like greenhouses, nurseries, garden centers, and flower shops are especially susceptible with their higher rates of heat and humidity, use of flammable materials, and extensive use of heating and electrical equipment.
Why fire prevention matters for horticulture businesses
A fire can disrupt your business’s operations, cause financial loss, endanger workers, and draw regulatory scrutiny. And if a fire stems from unpermitted work, poor fire suppression, or improper chemical storage, you may be on the hook for the damage and recovery costs. That’s why it’s imperative for your horticulture business to meet fire safety standards and carry coverage tailored to your risks.
Unique fire hazards in horticultural operations
Fire hazards in greenhouses, nurseries, and other horticultural operations can ignite quickly, turning seemingly minor risks into significant losses. Here are a few hazards to watch out for:
Heating and electrical systems in greenhouse operations often run continuously and at high loads. This makes them common sources of overheating, electrical faults, and fire ignition if not properly maintained or installed to code.
Flammable liquids and packaging can ignite easily if not stored and used safely.
Too many plugs and heaters can overburden electrical circuits, causing wires to overheat and short-circuit.
10 fire prevention tips for horticulture workplaces
Here’s a brief overview of ways to help prevent fires at your workplace. Consult with your safety professionals and insurance provider for more in-depth instruction based on your unique operations.
1. Train your staff on fire safety protocols
Help ensure that your employees understand how to prevent and respond to fires during onboarding and make fire training on specific hazards an annual event.
2. Create and practice a fire safety and evacuation plan
Designate assembly points outside your business facility, providing a safe and identifiable location for employees and customers to gather after an evacuation.
3. Store flammable materials properly
Keep chemicals and combustible materials in ventilated, secure areas.
4. Maintain electrical and heating systems
Schedule routine inspections of wiring, HVAC units, and grow lights. Routine inspection by qualified professionals is an indispensable component of a robust safety program.
5. Install and maintain fire safety equipment
This includes smoke detectors, extinguishers, and sprinkler systems.
6. Label and clear exit paths
Ensure all exit routes remain visible and unobstructed, with clearly labeled exit paths.
7. Schedule regular fire drills
Conduct frequent and well-organized fire evacuation drills. Review how the drills went and adjust plans accordingly.
8. Implement designated smoking areas
Establish designated smoking areas away from all storage areas, particularly those with flammable materials, as well as active growing areas.
9. Practice good housekeeping
Keep walkways clear, remove dry plant waste, and minimize clutter. A clean and organized environment helps ensure safety and removes fuel for fires.
10. Review your insurance coverage annually
Conduct an annual comprehensive review of your insurance policies to help ensure alignment with evolving risks and facility changes.
Post-fire recovery and mitigation planning
While these tips can significantly reduce your fire risk, workplace fires are still possible. Thankfully, your business can limit fire-related losses by planning ahead. Maintaining updated inventory records, storing backups offsite, and coordinating with local emergency responders all help in the claims and recovery process.
How we can help protect your business from fire risks
At Hortica, a brand of the Sentry Insurance Group, we understand the industry-specific risks businesses like yours face. And we know that tailoring fire prevention measures to each facility’s unique risks can help keep operations running smoothly.
We’re here to help you with:
Risk management. We help prevent losses before they occur with risk management strategies that align with your work.
Loss control. When you have a loss, we’re there to help you minimize liability.
Specialty coverage. We can customize your policy based on your buildings, staff, and equipment.
If you’d like assistance in training resources, claims analyses, workshops, and on-site consultations to help identify and mitigate risks, contact us. We’re here to help you and your business.
Help protect your horticultural business with risk-relevant insurance coverage
Make safety a top priority at your garden center
Your greenhouse maintenance checklist
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