As Hurricane Season Approaches Its Peak, The Hanover Insurance Group Offers Safety Tips

WORCESTER, Mass., Aug. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With hurricane season approaching its peak period, The Hanover Insurance Group today offered tips to help individuals keep themselves and their families, and their property safe during a storm.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20051031/NEM023LOGO )

The period from mid-August to late October is considered peak hurricane season and earlier this year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted that the season will be an active one.  

"Research suggests that it is likely a major hurricane will hit the U.S. coastline this season," said Mark Desrochers, president of The Hanover's personal lines business. "The good news, however, is that with the right preparations, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of personal injury or having their property damaged in a storm."

The most effective way to safeguard yourself, your family and your possessions during a hurricane is to be prepared:

Preparing Well in Advance

• Review your homeowners policy with your insurance agent to determine whether you have adequate protection. In particular consider whether you have flood insurance and if your policy will cover current rebuilding costs.
• Secure your home: Repair loose boards, shingles, shutters, down spouts—the kind of things that could become greater problems in high winds or torrential rain.
• Consider making improvements to protect your home, especially if you live on or near the coast. These could include protecting windows and doors with storm shutters and upgrading to a hurricane-proof roof.
  • Make a home inventory so that you can easily offer a list of damaged possessions to your insurer in the event that you are impacted by the storm. Be as detailed as possible, listing all personal items and including photos and videos where possible. Keep your inventory list in a fireproof safe or a safe deposit box. A free online home inventory tool from the Insurance Information Institute is available at http://www.hanover.com/thg/tools/claims/cat/homeinv.htm.
• Stock emergency supplies, including a battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, medicines, first aid handbook and kit, a week's worth of non-perishable food and water. Other items to have on hand include tools, blankets and/or sleeping bags, cooking and eating utensils, pet supplies, paper plates and cups, boards, plastic sheeting, tape and toiletries such as soap, bleach (for disinfecting), and diapers, etc.
• Develop an evacuation plan and notify family and friends where you will be staying if forced to evacuate.  Share everyone's cell phone numbers and be sure to compile a list of key numbers (fire, police, etc.) you might need in the case of an emergency.

During a Hurricane Watch

• Listen for advisories on the radio or TV.  Follow advice from local officials on how to best protect yourself for the upcoming storm.
• Double check that your emergency supplies are in order.
• Charge your cell phone battery or batteries.
• Fill the gas tank of your car(s).  You'll need it if you have to evacuate. If there is a power outage, gas pumps may not be functioning.
• Bring items inside your home that could become dangerous as flying objects, including all toys, and lawn furniture.  Make sure that sheds, cabanas and similar detached structures are securely anchored.
• Protect glass windows with boards, shutters or tape. Otherwise they could be broken from wind pressure.
• Move important papers and valuables to the second floor if you expect flooding.
• Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting; so food will last longer if the power goes out.
• Fill your clean bathtub with extra water.

During the Storm

• Get inside immediately and stay calm. Don't panic.
• Check on family members' whereabouts and ensure all are safe.
• Evacuate motor homes and take shelter in a grounded building.
• Open a window on the side of your home opposite the prevailing wind, in order to reduce dangerous inside pressure.  
• Stay away from windows. Stay in the center of the room, or in an inside room.
• If flooding begins, turn off electricity.
• Listen to the radio or tv for advisories.

If you have an Evacuation

• Communicate with all family members so that everyone knows where to go.
• Turn off utilities, including gas, water and electricity.
• Take your pets with you.  If a shelter will not allow pets, leave them in a secure place with food and water to last for several days. Never tie them up, as they won't be able to escape in the face of danger.
• Lock doors and windows.
• Leave a message for authorities notifying them where you will be.
• Take important documents, including your insurance policies.
• Bring emergency supplies, such as battery-powered radio, cell phones, flashlights, extra batteries, prescriptions, first aid kit, non-perishable food and water.
• When advised to leave, go as soon as possible. Follow recommended routes only and keep your radio on for current storm information.

After the Storm

• Check to be sure all family members are safe.
• Notify your insurance agent as soon as possible if you have experienced damage.
• Wear shoes around debris to avoid injuries.  Keep your family away from fallen power lines. And when beginning the cleanup process, use protective gear such as eyewear or gloves.
• Dispose of any impaired items touched by floodwater (food, drinks, and medicine).
• Check utilities. Turn them off if you suspect damage, and let the power company handle.
• Create a list of damaged property and if possible take photographs and/or video. Do not dispose of damaged items without prior approval from your insurance claims adjuster.
• Keep an accurate record of any temporary repairs or expenses so that they may be considered in your claim.
• If there was an evacuation, wait for official notice that it is safe to re-enter your home. When returning to your home, be cautious when entering a damaged structure.  Stay away from damaged or weakened walls.
• Being prepared in advance. Taking the appropriate actions to protect your family and property can help to prevent or mitigate injury or losses.  

About The Hanover

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG), based in Worcester, Mass., is the holding company for a group of insurers that includes The Hanover Insurance Company, also based in Worcester, Citizens Insurance Company of America, headquartered in Howell, Michigan and Chaucer Holdings PLC, based in London, and their affiliates. The Hanover offers a wide range of property and casualty products and services to businesses, individuals, and families through a select group of agents and brokers.

The company is ranked among the top 25 property and casualty insurers in the United States and has been meeting its obligations to its agent partners and their customers for nearly 160 years.  Through Chaucer, the company also underwrites business at Lloyds in all major insurance and reinsurance classes, balancing global marine, energy, non-marine and aviation with U.K. motor and nuclear. For more information, please visit www.hanover.com.

SOURCE The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.