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| Source: | Business Wire |
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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 200th
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
