KENNER, La., Aug. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With Tropical Storm Gustav
expected to enter the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday or Sunday as a hurricane, The
Hanover Insurance Group offers tips that can help keep you, your family and
your property safe.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051031/NEM023LOGO )
"Our business is to understand the nature of a risk and help our agents
and their customers protect themselves against it," said Robin Nicks,
president of The Hanover's Central Region. "With Gustav approaching, we want
to remind residents that the right preparations can help reduce the risk of
potential harm to you, your family, your business and your property."
Some tips to keep in mind any time a hurricane approaches, include:
During the 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 and
evacuate when advised.
-- Get prepared. Double check that your emergency supplies are in order.
-- Charge your cell phone battery or batteries.
-- Fill the gas tank of your car. You'll need it if you have to evacuate.
-- Bring items inside your home that could become dangerous as flying
objects, including 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.
-- If you expect flooding, move important papers and valuables to the
second floor.
-- Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting; if the power goes off
the food will last longer.
-- Fill your clean bathtub with extra water.
During an Evacuation
-- Turn off utilities, including gas, water and electricity.
-- Evacuate.
-- If you are going to a shelter that does not allow pets, leave animals
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 and
emergency supplies, such as battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra
batteries, prescriptions, first aid handbook and kit, non-perishable
food and water, tools, blankets and/or sleeping bags, cooking and
eating utensils, paper plates and cups, boards, plastic sheeting, tape,
baby food, clothes, cash and toiletries (toilet paper, soap, bleach
(for disinfecting), diapers, etc).
-- When advised to leave, go as soon as possible. Follow recommended
routes only.
-- Keep your radio on for current storm information.
During the Storm
-- Stay calm - don't panic.
-- Get inside immediately.
-- Evacuate motor homes and take shelter in a grounded building.
-- Open a window or door 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.
-- Turn off electricity if flooding begins.
-- Listen to the radio for advisories.
After the Storm
-- Check to be sure all family members are safe.
-- Check utilities. Turn them off if you suspect damage and don't turn
them on again yourself.
-- Locate your emergency supplies.
-- Listen to the radio for advisories and instructions.
-- Stay home, unless ordered to evacuate.
-- Let your car dry out before starting it.
-- 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.
-- Wear shoes around debris to avoid injuries.
-- Keep your family away from fallen power lines.
-- When beginning the cleanup process, use protective gear such as eyewear
or gloves.
-- Dispose of any digestible items touched by floodwater (food, drinks,
and medicine).
-- Notify your insurance agent as soon as possible if you have experienced
damage.
-- Create a list of damaged property that includes photographs and/or
video tape when available.
-- 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.
CLAIMS REPORTING INFORMATION
The Hanover and its independent agent partners stand ready to serve you.
Customers with coverage can submit claims by contacting their local
independent agent or calling the company's toll-free customer service line at
(800) 628-0250, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Claims also can be filed
online at http://www.hanover.com, by clicking on "File a Claim." Customers
are advised to locate their policies, if possible, before calling their agent
or the company, to expedite the claim reporting process.
The Hanover is located locally in Kenner, Louisiana and can be reached by
calling (504) 464-6012.
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, Mich., and their affiliates. The Hanover
offers a wide range of property and casualty products and services to
individuals, families and businesses through an extensive network of
independent agents, and has been meeting its obligations to its agent partners
and their customers for more than 150 years. Taken as a group, The Hanover
ranks among the top 40 property and casualty insurers in the United States.
For more information, please visit http://www.hanover.com.
CONTACTS:
Investor Relations Media Relations
Sujata MutalikAmy Lynn Baneksmutalik@hanover.comabanek@hanover.com
(508) 855-3457 (508) 855-4486
SOURCE The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.
Contact: Investor Relations: Sujata Mutalik, +1-508-855-3457, smutalik@hanover.com, or Media Relations: Amy Lynn Banek, +1-508-855-4486, abanek@hanover.com, both of The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.