Travelers identifies at-risk areas of the home, offers tips for
hurricane season
HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
With this year’s hurricane season upon us, Travelers (NYSE: TRV)
is reminding homeowners of the importance of being prepared
for hurricanes. Travelers claim professionals have unique expertise responding
to natural disasters and have seen first-hand how awareness and
preparation can lessen the after-effects of a hurricane. They’ve also
seen how well-intentioned family and friends sometimes share erroneous
information that might actually do more harm than good. Below, Travelers
and the Institute for Business & Home Safety cite common hurricane myths
and explain why believing them can be dangerous.
Myth: Opening the windows alleviates air pressure so your house
doesn’t explode.
Reality: This would not only be unsafe for the
people inside the home but the home itself by allowing wind-driven rain
to come into the house and damage the interior of the house as well as
personal belongings. The normal leakage of air around windows and doors
tends to keep the air pressure inside a home slightly lower than the
atmospheric pressure caused by the storm outside so there is no need to
leave doors or windows open. Instead, keep all windows and doors closed
and tightly secured.
Myth:You only need to protect the windows and doors that face
the ocean or gulf.
Reality: Because hurricanes are moving,
rotating storms, winds can come from any direction, and they can change
quickly and unexpectedly near the eye of the storm. The greatest danger
comes when a large window or door on a wall that faces the wind
shatters; the best bet is to protect windows and doors on all sides
of the home. The key is keeping all wind and water out with proper
protection. Installing storm shutters over all exposed windows and glass
is one of the most effective ways to protect a home.
Myth:Taping windows with a big “X” protects them from
shattering.
Reality: The truth is, taping glass does nothing to
keep the glass in its frame and securely attached to the home. Another
thing to remember is never lean or push against a window or door that is
being blown inward by wind pressure. As always, stay away from all
windows during a severe storm.
Preparation for hurricanes also includes reviewing insurance coverage.
Travelers encourages homeowners to call their insurance carrier or agent
to make sure they have the right type and amount of insurance coverage.
Many people mistakenly believe that their homeowners
policy would cover flood damage. In fact, a separate flood
insurance policy is needed to cover damage from a flood. That’s just
one example why a policy review is a good idea.
“The Travelers Catastrophe Team has responded to many major natural
disasters, and we’ve seen first-hand how people who have the coverage
they need get back on their feet faster than those who don’t,” said Pat
Gee, Senior Vice President of Travelers Claim
Services. “Think of it this way, people without the proper insurance
coverage can get hit by two disasters; the first is the unavoidable
natural disaster and the second is an avoidable financial disaster.”
Creating and properly storing a home
inventory is another recommendation. Going room-by-room documenting
the contents of a home, either with photographs or simply by making a
list, gives homeowners immediate access to necessary information should
they have significant damage to their home and belongings. Be sure to
store the home inventory in a separate location, such as a safe deposit
box or another residence.
For more tips, visit the Travelers disaster
safety site at Travelers.com.
About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV)
is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through
independent agents and brokers. The company’s diverse business lines
offer its global customers a wide range of coverage in the auto,
home
and business
settings. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers
has more than 30,000 employees and generated revenues of approximately
$25 billion in 2009. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
Source: The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Contact:
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Sheila Trauernicht,
860-277-7461
strauern@travelers.com
or
Matt
Bordonaro, 860-277-7014
mbordona@travelers.com