HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 30, 2004--A home is one of
life's most important investments. Keeping it properly maintained can
help reduce the risk of a loss and help ensure the safety and well
being of friends and family. Just in time for spring, Travelers
Property Casualty Corp. (NYSE: TAP.A and TAP.B) offers these
maintenance tips to prepare your home for warmer weather and to keep
it safe year-round:
-- Inspect your smoke detectors. Make sure that there is one on
each floor of your home. Test them and change the batteries at
least every six months, when you change your clocks.
-- Check the light bulbs in all your fixtures to be sure that
they are the correct wattage as recommended by the
manufacturer.
-- Replace lamps that use high-producing bulbs (such as halogen)
with those that use fluorescent bulbs and operate at much
cooler temperatures.
-- Check your electrical outlets for potential fire hazards such
as frayed wires or loose-fitting plugs. Be sure not to
overload electrical outlets, fuse boxes, extension cords or
any other power service.
-- Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible that is
filled and ready for operation.
-- Have your air conditioning system inspected by a professional
as recommended by the manufacturer.
-- Check for damage to your roof, and clean gutters and
downspouts to keep debris from accumulating.
-- Check your water heater for leaks and corrosion, and keep
surrounding area clear.
-- Clean and/or replace your furnace filter.
-- Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the
dryer. Remove all lint, dust, and pieces of material or cloth.
-- Inspect washing machine hoses and replace hoses that show
signs of wear or leakage with stronger reinforced hoses. Turn
off the water when not in use to prevent water damage if a
hose breaks.
-- In your yard, remove all dead trees and keep healthy trees and
bushes trimmed and away from utility wires. Do not attempt to
remove tree limbs from power lines yourself. Instead, call
your power company to request assistance.
-- Safely store oil and gas for lawn equipment and tools in a
vented, secured area.
-- Repair driveway and walkways that are cracked, broken or
uneven to provide a level walking surface.
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 seasonal home maintenance tips are available at
http://www.travelers.com/claim_services/pl/.
For more information on topics of home maintenance and repair,
visit these resources:
Michigan State University Extension:
http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/mod02/master02.html
Metropolitan Builders Association:
http://www.mbaonline.org/site/homeowners/Home_Maintenance.asp
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 Corp.