2008-09-05 20:08:03 -

www.zurichna.com - Zurich, a leading property and casualty insurance provider in the U.S. and globally, today offered information to business owners and managers on specific steps they can take to minimize damage to their property and operations as hurricane activity intensifies in North America.

During a hurricane watch (36 hours before):

-- Inspect building roofs,

make needed repairs, remove loose equipment and debris, verify drains are clean.

-- Fill fuel tanks (emergency generators, diesel fire pumps, water heaters).

-- Inspect outside drains and catch basins, clear as needed.

-- Secure loose outdoor equipment.

-- Back-up computer data.

-- Ship out as much stock as possible.

-- Verify all stock is skidded.

-- Review construction projects, secure loose equipment and supplies, install temporary wind bracing.

During a hurricane warning (24 hours before):

-- Protect or relocate vital business records.

-- Anchor portable buildings or trailers.

-- Secure outdoor storage that cannot be moved indoors.

-- Install manual protection features (shutters, flood barriers).

-- Elevate critical equipment off floors (i.e. computers).

-- Move critical equipment from sub-grade areas.

-- Cover critical equipment or stock with waterproof tarps.

-- Initial orderly shutdown of production and processes that rely on normal power.

-- Turn off fuel gas service.

-- Turn off non-essential electrical systems.

-- Verify protection systems are in service.

During a hurricane:

-- Employee safety should be the primary concern, but if a team is to remain with the building, verify needed equipment and supplies are provided including communication equipment.

-- Anticipate loss of normal power, loss of emergency power and loss of public water.

After a hurricane when authorities remove any restrictions that were issued:

-- Consult with team on site (if any) for needed equipment and supplies.

-- Include cameras to document conditions.

-- Survey site for hazards (live electrical wires, broken glass, leaking fuels, damaged building features, undermined paving or sidewalks).

-- Control hazards. -0- -- Reinforce loss prevention programs (control of smoking, hot work and fire protection impairments). -- Verify status of fire protection, manage impairments and expedite repairs. -- Initiate salvage efforts as conditions permit, reduce further damage, separate damaged and undamaged goods, save all damaged goods, avoid accumulations of combustibles in area with impaired fire protection. -- Maintain contact with corporate management and your insurance broker. -- Clear roof drains.

-- Equipment and supplies may include: -0- -- Emergency lighting -- Lumber, nails -- Tape -- Sandbags, sand -- Tarps -- Power (battery powered or generators) and hand tools -- Chain saws -- Nonperishable food and water -- Two-way radios

For more information about hurricane preparedness visit the Zurich Web site at www.zurichna.com.

The information in this news release was compiled by Zurich Services Corporation from sources believed to be reliable. We do not guarantee the accuracy of this information or any results and further assume no liability in connection with this news release, including any information, methods or safety suggestions contained herein. Moreover, Zurich Services Corporation reminds you that this news release cannot be assumed to contain every acceptable safety and compliance procedure or that additional procedures might not be appropriate under the circumstances. The subject matter of this news release is not tied to any specific insurance product nor will adopting these procedures insure coverage under any insurance policy.

Editor's Note: Zurich specialists are available to comment on risk mitigation and catastrophe recovery measures business owners should be taking during storm season and year-round.

About Zurich Financial Services

Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Founded in 1872, the Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It employs approximately 60,000 people serving customers in more than 170 countries. In North America, Zurich (www.zurichna.com) is a leading commercial property-casualty insurance provider serving the global corporate, large corporate, middle market, specialties and programs sectors.

Zurich
Steve McKay, (847) 706-2265
steven.mckay@zurichna.com