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The Hartford Offers Advice for Homeowners in Weather-Prone Areas

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- With nearly three-fourths of Americans living in areas known for severe-weather events – hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes or wildfires – planning ahead to help prevent possible damage should be on the “weekend to-do” list at least once a year.

According to John Wilcox, senior vice president of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. – celebrating its 200^th anniversary this year – a walking tour of your home can point out areas that are storm-ready or ready for repair or preparation. “Homeowners know their property better than anyone, so a good visual inspection is the first step in ensuring that a house is ready for the storm season,” he said. “An easy way to remember how to approach the task is to look three ways: look up, look down and look in front of you.”

Look Up

With an eye toward the sky, homeowners can determine if there are quick fixes to be made before a storm strikes, or if they may need to call in professional help. Look for:

• Roof shingles should lie flat on the roof, with quick-setting cement applied to any tabs that aren’t flat.
• Chimney structures should show no signs of loose bricks or cement, or professional repair may be required before high winds or heavy rains strike.
• Rain gutters and downspouts should be clear of leaves, branches and debris, so water can flow freely.
• Tree limbs should be cut back so they’re at least 10 feet away from the home, to allow for movement without damage to the structure during high winds. Dead or diseased trees should be removed now to prevent them falling down in a storm.
• Utility lines should not be threaded through tree limbs or hang loosely from your house. Never work around power lines – call your local utility if repairs are needed.

Look Down

After a look up, homeowners should gaze downward and look for:

• Drains and pipes should be clear of debris, so water doesn’t back up and create flooding situations.
• Thresholds of doorways should be secure and water-tight, to keep out heavy rains.
• Garage doors should close as tightly to the ground as possible, or consider adding a low-cost weather-strip to the bottom to achieve a tighter fit.
• Outside objects not secured to the ground should be moved inside, removed or secured in advance of a storm, including fallen branches and any potted plants, since they can become flying objects in heavy winds.

Look In Front of You

Finally, homeowners should take a good look at what’s right in front of them, including:

• Latches, hinges and deadbolts on doors and windows should be tightly fastened to hold them closed against high winds.
• Fasteners on outdoor shutters should hold decorative shutters open and hurricane shutters closed, to prevent any swinging in heavy winds.
• Hinges and bracing panels on garage doors should be secure, since these large doors are a key point of vulnerability in storms.

“These tips are useful not only in preparing for severe weather, but also for general home maintenance between seasons,” said Wilcox. “Keeping a home in good repair not only helps minimize storm damage, but can help prevent major repairs that might be required by not paying attention to small issues that arise, such as windows that leak or loose roof shingles.”

At the same time, Wilcox noted that homeowners should “prepare to repair” before a storm is on the horizon. “Remember that there may be no electricity after a storm, so keep some basic tools on hand, as well as extra plywood, nails, screws, hinges and bolts,” he said. “The same ‘look three ways’ inspection also will quickly reveal those areas of the home that need attention.”

Wilcox recommends that homeowners watch for dangerous debris on the ground after a storm, such as broken glass. In addition, gas, water and electrical lines should be checked outside the home and immediately upon entering the home.

Homeowners whose property has suffered damage during a storm should contact their insurance company right away.

For more information about planning for nature-related events from The Hartford, consumers can visit http://hartfordauto.thehartford.com/Safe-Driving/Home-Safety/disaster-planning.shtml.

To report a claim, Hartford customers should call 800-243-5860 or visit us online.

About The Hartford

Celebrating 200 years, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is an insurance-based financial services company that serves households, businesses and employees by helping to protect their assets and income from risks, and by managing wealth and retirement needs. A Fortune 500 company, The Hartford is recognized widely for its service expertise and as one of the world’s most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com.

HIG-PC

Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. These important risks and uncertainties include those discussed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued.

The information provided in these materials is intended to be general and advisory in nature. The Hartford assumes no responsibility for the control, correction or prevention of hazards or damage to your property. Readers seeking resolution of specific safety or construction issues or concerns regarding this topic should consult a safety consultant or licensed contractor.

Readers should consult with their independent Hartford agent or authorized Hartford representative following any property improvements or repairs to review their current property coverage needs and to ascertain whether any improvements may result in premium discounts. Coverage and premium discounts for the types of improvements suggested above may not be available in all states.





The Hartford
Michelle Loxton, 860-547-7413
michelle.loxton@thehartford.com
or
For The Hartford
Annette Rogers, 214-379-3705
annette.rogers@mm2pr.com

Source: The Hartford