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Travelers Dispels Common Hurricane Myths

^{Published on 2010-06-03 12:40:25 - Market Wire}
 

HARTFORD, Conn.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--With this yeara™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. Theya™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.

"The Travelers Catastrophe Team has responded to many major natural disasters, and wea™ve seen first-hand how people who have the coverage they need get back on their feet faster than those who dona™t"

Myth: Opening the windows alleviates air pressure so your house doesna™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 aXa 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. Thata™s just one example why a policy review is a good idea.

aThe Travelers Catastrophe Team has responded to many major natural disasters, and wea™ve seen first-hand how people who have the coverage they need get back on their feet faster than those who dona™t,a said Pat Gee, Senior Vice President of Travelers [ Claim Services ]. aThink 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.a

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 companya™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 ].