How to deal with a damage event

Damage events pose a significant risk to companies as they can severely impact both operations and financial stability. From damage to infrastructure to technical outages, without the right protective measures and a quick response, the damage can be extensive. To minimize financial losses and business interruptions, preventive measures and comprehensive insurance cover are crucial.

Effective measures in the event of a damage event at a glance

In the event of damage, it is crucial to take targeted and immediate action to minimize the impact and ensure a speedy recovery.
The following steps provide a clear guide on what to do after damage, whether caused by storm, fire or other events.

Personal safety

The health and safety of everyone involved is the top priority. Injured persons should be treated immediately and a doctor should be called whenever needed. Safety equipment such as first aid kits and emergency numbers should be easily accessible.

Information
for all concerned

Passing on information quickly and accurately is crucial to ensure that the damage is successfully remedied. Plant managers, employees and relevant organizations such as the fire department and technical relief services should be informed immediately.

Safeguard
crops

Plants worth saving should be quickly moved to undamaged greenhouses or temporary foil structures. Damaged buildings should also be covered with tarpaulins or sheeting to prevent further damage.

Inspect control devices

Careful inspection of all control devices is necessary to ensure that they will function correctly in an emergency. This is particularly important to avoid hazards.

Continue sales

To ensure that sales can continue, goods that are ready for sale should be marketed quickly. Information on special offers or signs indicating that sales are continuing may attract customers.

Organize
additional staff

Organizing additional staff and procuring materials in good time are crucial in order to carry out clean-up and repair work efficiently. Clear planning helps to make optimum use of resources.

Document damage

Comprehensive documentation of all the damage, damage events and costs is essential. This information is important for insurance claims and for the evaluation of the damage.

Notify the insurance company

Gartenbau-Versicherung should be informed immediately, especially in the event of major damage. Swift notification by telephone and written confirmation within four days are important in order to make a claim.

Safety first

Here are some important tips to avoid injuries and other risks.

The health and safety of everyone involved is the top priority. Injured persons should be treated immediately and a doctor should be called whenever needed. First aid kits and emergency numbers should be easily accessible. Avoid entering damaged buildings to prevent injury. It is advisable never to go alone and, if it is absolutely necessary, to wear protective clothing such as a helmet, gloves and sturdy shoes.

Automatic systems, such as ventilation systems, should be switched off and the electricity in damaged buildings shut down to prevent electric shocks and fires. The business should be locked down to keep curious people away and prevent possible theft. Public liability insurance can help to minimize liability risks. During clean-up and repair work, it is important to always be careful and not to overestimate yourself.

Information for all concerned to ensure that damage is successfully remedied

You will need to inform:

Plant manager, employees
District master gardener or head gardener ( may organize assistance if necessary), helpful colleagues
If necessary, fire department, technical relief services, municipal administration (clarify costs beforehand for non-emergency assistance!) -> Note: for unskilled help: explain special features and possible dangers
Suppliers (especially young plants) -> Cancellation, temporary storage
Buyers, wholesale markets, auctions
Reserve glass supplies, contact repair companies
Gartenbau-Versicherung must be informed of major damage immediately by telephone and for all other damage events, written notification must be given to Wiesbaden within four days! Giving the following details is helpful

Measures to limit the damage

To protect crops, plants worth saving should be moved to undamaged greenhouses or temporary foil structures. Damaged buildings should be covered with tarpaulins or sheeting while crops should also be protected with foil or fleece. Undamaged thermal screens can be closed at night to protect against the cold. New glass should be shaded immediately if the screens are not yet functional.

To ensure that sales can continue, goods that are ready for sale should be marketed as quickly as possible. For direct marketing, signs with “We are open for business” can be put up to inform customers. Purchasing raw materials and finished goods helps to ensure a continuous supply.

Careful planning and thorough reflection are necessary before repair work is carried out in order to avoid any overhasty actions. Helpers must be organized and the procurement of materials as well as clean-up and repair work must be coordinated. Finally, it is important to comprehensively document all the damage, damage events and costs involved in the incident.