St. Paul Travelers Mobilizes Catastrophe Team in Florida

St. Paul Travelers and its subsidiary First Floridian have mobilized their Catastrophe Response Team to assist policyholders who may be affected by Hurricane Frances.

Because of the company’s response to Hurricane Charley, more than 100 Catastrophe Team members are already on the ground in Florida and will be able to move quickly into impacted areas once the storm passes. In addition, St. Paul Travelers’ four Mobile Claim Headquarters — custom-built RVs designed as mobile insurance claim offices that can provide claims services immediately following a disaster — are currently in Florida. Two of the vans will remain in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte to service those policyholders affected by Charley, and two will be dispatched to areas impacted by Frances immediately after the storm.

The Mobile Claim Headquarters are equipped to issue checks to policyholders on the spot, and adjusters use wireless technology to speed the claims-handling process.

St. Paul Travelers also has additional claims professionals around the nation on call and ready to join this response effort.

St. Paul Travelers and First Floridian claims professionals are available to take customer claims 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customers are encouraged to report their loss directly by calling these numbers:

— 1-800-CLAIM-33 for policyholders with First Floridian
homeowners or auto claims

— 1-800-356-6663 for policyholders with Travelers flood claims

— 1-800-238-6225 for policyholders with St. Paul Travelers or
Travelers business claims

— 1-800-STPAUL1 for policyholders with St. Paul business claims

Independent agents can get updated hurricane response information on St. Paul Travelers’ Agent HQ Web site.

St. Paul Travelers recommends that the following measures be taken before a storm:

— Store outdoor furniture and potted plants indoors.

— Agree with all family members on the safest place to be within
the structure during the storm. A bathroom or closet in the
middle of the structure is usually the safest place to stay
during a storm. The room should have no windows – it is
important to stay away from all glass windows.

— Store water, food, radio, flashlights, first aid kit and spare
batteries in this room prior to arrival of the storm.

— For homes with well water, fill bath tubs in order to have
fresh water for cooking and to flush toilets.

— Secure the structure by taking down cloth awnings and closing
all windows, doors and skylights.

— If possible, videotape or make a list of all personal property
inside the dwelling, which should be stored in a safe location
in the event the property sustains serious damage.

After the storm passes:

— Make sure all family members are safe. Listen to the radio for
public service announcements. If evacuated, do not return to
your home until authorized to do so. If at home, wait for the
“all clear” announcement before venturing outside.

— Don’t touch downed power lines; assume they are live no matter
how long they have been down.

— Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas, leave immediately and
call the utility company from a neighbor’s house.

— Don’t try to move large trees or branches that have fallen on
your home, as personal injury or additional property damage
could occur.

— Cover broken windows or holes in walls or roofs to prevent
further damage.

— If you have damage, call your insurance carrier immediately to
report your claim.