St. Paul Travelers Mobilizes Catastrophe Response Team for Hurricane Rita

St. Paul Travelers will dispatch three Mobile Claim Headquarters-- custom-built RVs designed as mobile insurance claim offices thatcan provide claims services immediately following a disaster -- to theareas impacted by Rita immediately after the storm. Four Mobile ClaimHeadquarters will remain in Louisiana and Mississippi to service thosepolicyholders affected by Katrina. The Mobile Claim Headquarters areequipped to issue checks to policyholders on the spot, and adjustersuse wireless technology to speed the claims-handling process.

"St. Paul Travelers has the resources available to respondimmediately to the hurricane's impact, even in the wake of HurricaneKatrina," said Ray Stone, vice president, Catastrophe Management forSt. Paul Travelers. "We know many of our customers are stillrecovering from Katrina, and we will continue to service ourpolicyholders even as we react to a second storm. Our Catastrophe Teamis expressly designed to be on the ground and highly responsive whenour customers need us most."

St. Paul Travelers claims professionals are available to takecustomer claims 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customers areencouraged to report their loss directly by calling these numbers:

-- Travelers Home and Auto Claims: 800.CLAIM33 (800.252.4633)

-- Travelers Flood Claims: 800.356.6663

-- Travelers Boat/Yacht Claims: 800.772.4482

-- St. Paul Travelers and Travelers Business Claims: 800.238.6225

-- St. Paul Business Claims: 800.STPAUL1 (800.787.2851)

Independent agents can get updated hurricane response informationon St. Paul Travelers' Agent HQ Web site.

Background on Mobile Claim Headquarters

These first-in-the-industry vehicles were developed as a result oflessons learned from Hurricane Andrew, which devastated parts ofFlorida in 1992. They are staffed by catastrophe response team membersand equipped with everything required to process claims in the midstof a disaster, such as onboard computers and databases, printers,photocopiers, cell phones, and fax machines. Each vehicle has its owngenerator, so they can operate in places without electricity and canprocess claims through wireless or satellite connectivity if landlines are not available.

Severe Weather Tips

Stone recommends that the following measures be taken before astorm:

-- 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.

St. Paul Travelers is a leading provider of commercial propertycasualty insurance. Under the Travelers brand, the company is also aleading underwriter of auto and homeowners insurance throughindependent agents. For more information, visitwww.stpaultravelers.com.