Is Your Home or Business Ready for Hurricane Season?

Business Wirevia The Motley Fool
Updated

Is Your Home or Business Ready for Hurricane Season?

Travelers Offers Preparation Tips

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook there is a 70 percent likelihood of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 7 to 11 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher). This exceeds the seasonal average of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes. With the official start of hurricane season just days away, now is the time to make important decisions about insurance and the steps needed to help keep your family, business and property safe.


"While most severe hurricanes form later in the season, waiting to prepare could leave you without a plan for managing your risks, which includes reviewing hazards around your home or business, taking steps to help minimize damage and having necessary insurance coverages," said Marty Henry, Senior Vice President, Travelers Risk Control. "Planning for storm season is not something that should be taken lightly."

There are a number of things you can do now to help prevent property damage including creating a plan to help quickly recover if you are affected by severe weather. Before storm season is at its peak, Travelers recommends the following:

  • Create safety plans for your family and your business. Families should have an evacuation plan that tells everyone where to go and how to keep in touch during an emergency. In addition, businesses should also have a business continuity plan that outlines what you will do and who you can call on to help keep your business running in the event of a disaster.

  • Build a content inventory to document the items in your home or at your business.

  • Prepare a survival kit of things you might need if disaster strikes.

  • Perform routine maintenance such as tree-trimming, gutter cleaning and debris removal around your home or office building. Make sure drains and sump pumps are clear.

  • Review your insurance policy to ensure you understand your coverage.

If a storm is imminent, consider taking the following precautions to help stay safe, including charging mobile devices, having chargers available and securing all outdoor objects or moving them inside. Additional tips on preparing for a hurricane can be found on the Travelers Prepare & Prevent website.

"Taking these steps and talking to your independent insurance agent to understand your coverage will have you well on your way to having your home and business ready for storm season," added Henry.

On May 31, the eve of hurricane season, the Travelers Institute will convene its third annual Hurricane Preparedness Symposium in partnership with NYSE Euronext, University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and the Partnership for New York City. The event will be held at the NYSE Euronext and a group of industry professionals will discuss the importance of disaster preparedness and lessons learned from Storm Sandy. Panelists will also highlight hurricane preparation procedures and provide insights on what individuals and business owners should consider about their insurance coverage.

For more information on being prepared, visit the Travelers Prepare & Prevent website. To learn more about the Travelers Institute, visit www.travelersinstitute.org.

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 $26 billion in 2012. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.



The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Matt Bordonaro, 860-277-7014

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