HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV)
is urging consumers to stay prepared throughout the peak of hurricane
season, which spans from now through mid-October. Despite below-average
forecasts from Colorado
State University and the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, severe weather can strike at
any time, as evidenced by Tropical Depression Gordon and Hurricane
Florence.
“Weather patterns can often be projected with accuracy, but the ultimate
impact of a storm can still be unpredictable,” said Scott Humphrey,
Second Vice President, Risk Control, Travelers. “While you can’t move
your house away from the path of a storm, you can certainly take steps
that will help protect your family, home and belongings.”
Stay safe throughout late-summer and fall storms with these dos and
don’ts:
- DON’T become complacent.
Below-average forecasts can lead to a false sense of security. It’s
always better to be ready in case Mother Nature has other plans.
- DO plan in advance. Create
an evacuation plan and discuss it with loved ones so everyone knows
what to do if a storm requires evacuation.
- DON’T put off maintenance. Regularly
clearing debris from your gutters and downspouts and trimming trees
near the home will go a long way in keeping your property safe if
severe weather strikes.
- DO stock your survival kit —
well ahead of time. Some items to include are water, nonperishable
food (including food for pets), medications and flashlights.
- DON’T tape an ‘X’ on the
windows. Some say this method will keep windows from breaking, but
this is a myth. In the event of a storm, this will actually do little
to protect the windows from being shattered by flying debris.
- DO have a plan for your
windows. Permanent storm shutters are helpful because they can
quickly be closed. If your home does not have them, you may want to
purchase marine plywood to have on hand so you will be prepared to
board up windows.
- DO plan for a power outage. Keep
batteries and battery-powered chargers for cell phones and other
devices stored in a place that can be easily accessed during an
outage. If you have a gas-powered generator, make sure you have fuel
on hand.
- DON’Toperate a gas-powered
generator indoors. Avoid using your generator in a garage,
basement or outdoors near any windows, doors or vents, as it produces
carbon monoxide, which can be harmful.
- DON’T leave furniture outside.
If a storm is on the way, secure items that could become projectiles
or move them inside. Think: “What can hit my home?”
“Several below-average hurricane seasons have had storms with
significant continental U.S. landfalls,” said Dr. Phil Klotzbach,
Research Scientist, Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State
University. “The storms that have recently formed in the Gulf and
Atlantic are examples of why it’s so important that coastal residents
prepare the same way every year.”
For more information on hurricane safety, visit the Travelers Prepare
and Prevent site.
About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV)
is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto,
home
and business.
A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has
approximately 30,000 employees and generated revenues of approximately
$29 billion in 2017. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180906005511/en/
Media:
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Nicole Guzzardi,
860-277-0836
nguzzard@travelers.com
Source: The Travelers Companies, Inc.