HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 18, 2004--Frozen pipes may
not sound like a major problem for property owners, but Travelers
Property Casualty Corp. (NYSE: TAP.A and TAP.B) has received so many
claims from winter weather damage that 36 members of its catastrophe
response team have been deployed throughout the Northeast to assist
customers.
"Winter's fluctuating temperatures can be hazardous to a home,
especially when snow begins to melt and refreezes, forming an ice dam
on the roof," says Peter McMurtrie, Vice President, Claim Services.
"The good news is there are steps you can take to protect your home,
which is important even in warmer climates where pipes running through
uninsulated attics or crawl spaces can freeze."
To prevent frozen pipes:
-- Open the cabinets under the sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms
to allow heat to circulate around water pipes.
-- Let faucets drip.
-- Insulate pipes in your home's crawl space or attic.
-- Bring water hoses inside.
-- Insulate your outdoor water meter box, and be sure the lid is
on tight.
-- Protect outdoor electrical equipment to help prevent power
outage.
-- Seal any leaks in the home's foundation that allow cold air
inside. (Do not cover vents that are installed to provide
combustion air to fuel-fired hot water heaters or other
equipment as that could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.)
-- Maintain heat in your home at a comfortable level.
-- If you elect to drain your pipes when leaving for an extended
period, turn off your water at the shut-off valve while
faucets are running to drain your pipes. If you drain your
pipes, contact your electric or gas company for instructions
on protecting your water heater. Please be aware that if you
have a fire protection system in your home, it will be
deactivated when the water is shut off.
If your pipes freeze:
-- Turn off your water at the shut-off valve.
-- Contact a plumber for assistance.
-- Do not use lamps or electrical appliances to thaw frozen
pipes. Leaking water from thawing pipes could result in an
electrical shock.
-- If your plumber uses a portable torch to thaw or repair
piping, make sure that combustibles are removed from the area,
and that a charged portable fire extinguisher is available.
Observe the area for a minimum of 30 minutes after hotwork is
completed to ensure that no embers or overheated material from
the hotwork is smoldering.
To prevent ice dams, which can clog gutters causing water to leak
into the house, use a long-handled roof rake to remove snow on the
roof while standing safely on the ground.
Travelers policyholders who experience a loss should immediately
report their claim to Travelers at 1-800-CLAIM-33 (1-800-252-4633) for
assistance. Travelers claim professionals are available 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year.
These and other winter home maintenance tips are available at
www.travelers.com/claim_services/pl/home_safety.html.
About Travelers Property Casualty
Travelers Property Casualty (NYSE: TAP.A and TAP.B) provides a
wide range of insurance products. In the commercial lines market,
Travelers is a leading provider of a broad range of insurance products
including workers compensation, integrated disability, property,
liability, specialty lines, surety bonds, inland/ocean marine, and
boiler and machinery. The company is the second largest writer of
homeowners and auto insurance through independent agents. On November
17, 2003, Travelers announced its intent to merge with The St. Paul
Companies. The merger is expected to be completed in the second
quarter of 2004. For more information on Travelers, see
www.travelers.com.
SUBJECT: TAPA, TAPB, TAP.A, TAP.B, TAPa, TAPb, TAP.a, TAP.b,
TAP/A, TAP/B, TAP/a, TAP/b
CONTACT: Travelers Property Casualty
Jennifer Wislocki, 860-277-7458
SOURCE: Travelers Property Casualty