TEXAS/FLORIDA—In order to understand the changes that we are seeing recently in weather patterns it is important to know first what El Niño (Spanish for “little boy”) and La Niña. These two can be considered part of the most influential natural climate pattern on our planet.
BY DEFINITION
ENSO: El Niño-Southern Oscillation or a periodic weakening of steady east to west trade winds patterns near the surface of the tropical Pacific, capable to generate temperatures that are hotter than usual for an extended period of time.
Our meteorologists on TV often take a great deal of time to explain this because their forecasts are reliant on these conclusions. It is known that the warming of the ocean causes major to typical global atmospheric circulation patterns. With that said, whenever you hear the El Niño factor comes into play, you can expect extreme weather conditions all over the world.
La Niña (Spanish for “little girl”) is the cooling period of ENSO, and will also dramatically affect climate patters, especially after a strong El Niño period.
These two weather extremes periods can or will affect homeowners and businesses as well as the insurance companies that protect them.
Both El Niño and La Niña develop between March and June, peak from November to February and peter out again between March and June. In the United States, the effects of El Niño are felt most strongly in winter. According to Climate.gov, the continental United States and Caribbean Islands have a substantially decreased chance of experiencing a hurricane during El Niño and an increased chance of experiencing a hurricane during La Niña.
Around the world, depending on the location, some of the conditions associated with El Niño include: hot weather and droughts; forest and bush wildfires; heavy rain and subsequent flooding; tropical cyclone activity; typhoons and landslides.
Understanding this information and tracking these events will help you stay ahead assessing your risk levels, and making sure you own the right types of insurance to provide your business with the best protection against loss.
Depending on the area of the country, some examples of the insurance coverages worth reviewing in preparation for El Niño are:
- Business insurance – check whether there is a wind deductible, and understand what your risk is for wildfire during drought periods.
- Commercial Auto/Fleet insurance – damage from falling trees and other objects is covered by the optional comprehensive portion of an auto policy.
- Flood insurance – can protect against the ravages of hurricanes and other storms.
Don’t forget to compare rates and terms from different insurance carriers to find which one benefits you most. Also, make sure you re-asses your insurance needs as your business grows. If you’ve expanded operation or made additional investments in important equipment, you must protect it with a policy that covers it all.
At Garzor Insurance we care about your business. Our experienced professionals are dedicated to providing commercial insurance in Florida as well as Texas, and now many other states across the U.S. If you also have questions about truck or other commercial vehicles insurance, or any other business insurance aspects, please do not hesitate to visit us online at Garzor Insurance, or you may want to call us directly at (321) 206-8035.
Luis Laguado, JR
Licensed Insurance Agent
