The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is urging consumers to stay prepared throughout the peak of hurricane season, which spans from now through mid-October. Despite below-average forecasts from Colorado State University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, severe weather can strike at any time, as evidenced by Tropical Depression Gordon and Hurricane Florence.

“Weather patterns can often be projected with accuracy, but the ultimate impact of a storm can still be unpredictable,” said Scott Humphrey, Second Vice President, Risk Control, Travelers. “While you can’t move your house away from the path of a storm, you can certainly take steps that will help protect your family, home and belongings.”

Stay safe throughout late-summer and fall storms with these dos and don’ts:

  • DON’T become complacent. Below-average forecasts can lead to a false sense of security. It’s always better to be ready in case Mother Nature has other plans.
  • DO plan in advance. Create an evacuation plan and discuss it with loved ones so everyone knows what to do if a storm requires evacuation.
  • DON’T put off maintenance. Regularly clearing debris from your gutters and downspouts and trimming trees near the home will go a long way in keeping your property safe if severe weather strikes.
  • DO stock your survival kit — well ahead of time. Some items to include are water, nonperishable food (including food for pets), medications and flashlights.
  • DON’T tape an ‘X’ on the windows. Some say this method will keep windows from breaking, but this is a myth. In the event of a storm, this will actually do little to protect the windows from being shattered by flying debris.
  • DO have a plan for your windows. Permanent storm shutters are helpful because they can quickly be closed. If your home does not have them, you may want to purchase marine plywood to have on hand so you will be prepared to board up windows.
  • DO plan for a power outage. Keep batteries and battery-powered chargers for cell phones and other devices stored in a place that can be easily accessed during an outage. If you have a gas-powered generator, make sure you have fuel on hand.
  • DON’T operate a gas-powered generator indoors. Avoid using your generator in a garage, basement or outdoors near any windows, doors or vents, as it produces carbon monoxide, which can be harmful.
  • DON’T leave furniture outside. If a storm is on the way, secure items that could become projectiles or move them inside. Think: “What can hit my home?”

“Several below-average hurricane seasons have had storms with significant continental U.S. landfalls,” said Dr. Phil Klotzbach, Research Scientist, Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University. “The storms that have recently formed in the Gulf and Atlantic are examples of why it’s so important that coastal residents prepare the same way every year.”

For more information on hurricane safety, visit the Travelers Prepare and Prevent site.

About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has approximately 30,000 employees and generated revenues of approximately $29 billion in 2017. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.