Volatile Energy Prices Prompting Many Americans to Buy Space Heaters, Alternative Heating Equipment - Statutory Filing {filing}

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

On the heels of a recent survey stating that Americans are increasingly using alternative heating sources such as space heaters to combat concerns over energy prices, fire and insurance experts are urging consumers to properly use and maintain heating equipment.

A National Fire Protection Association survey said that 79 percent of Americans are concerned about the rising cost of heating their homes, and that 48 percent of households will use alternative heating sources like space heaters, stoves, ovens and fireplaces to keep their homes and families warm without running up the fuel bill.

"It's not even officially winter yet and there are already stories in the news about deadly fires involving space heaters," said Elaine Baisden, vice president of national property for Travelers (NYSE: TRV), a leading provider of homeowners insurance. "It's critical that homeowners remain vigilant with any alternative heating sources as we approach the colder months. If people use supplemental heating equipment, it is important they follow the safety guidelines and follow the manufacturer's guidelines to help prevent a fire."

According to the NFPA, heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires during the months of December, January and February and ranks as the second leading cause of home fires year-round, second only to cooking. In fact, portable or stationary space heaters accounted for 32 percent of fires related to home heating equipment.(1) "Portable space heater fires can be particularly deadly," added James M. Shannon, CEO and president of the NFPA. "They must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn and turned off at night."

The NFPA also noted during the most recent year analyzed that heating equipment accounted for:

    --  16 percent of all reported home fires,

    --  670 civilian fire deaths,

    --  1,550 civilian injuries and

    --  $909 million in direct property damage.

To help minimize the possibility of a fire resulting from a supplemental heating device, Travelers recommends homeowners take the following precautions:

    --  Properly maintain heating equipment and chimneys with an
        annual inspection by a licensed professional.

    --  Follow manufacturers' guidelines and maintain a sufficient
        amount of space around heating equipment to prevent
        combustibles from catching fire.

    --  Turn off supplemental heaters when leaving the room.

    --  Keep children a safe distance from supplemental heat sources.

    --  If supplementing your home's primary heating source with a
        wood or pellet stove, consider hiring a licensed professional
        to install the equipment to building codes.

    --  Install smoke detectors and test them regularly.

"Home fires can be tragic events where people can be hurt and irreplaceable memories can be lost," added Baisden of Travelers. "With that in mind, Travelers encourages homeowners to consult with their insurance agents to make sure they have both proper insurance coverage levels and are taking the necessary steps to exercise safety this winter."

"By all accounts it looks like this will be an expensive heating season. As families look for alternative ways to keep warm this winter they need to make sure they are not increasing the risk of fire in their homes," said Shannon, of the NFPA. "Most heating related fires can be prevented by taking some very simple steps."

For additional home safety and maintenance tips, visit www.travelers.com.

About Travelers

The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through independent agents and brokers. Travelers understands that life and business are inherently dynamic and that the best way to serve customers is to deliver insurance in-synch with evolving risks. The company's diverse business lines offer its global customers a wide range of coverage in the auto, home and business settings. Travelers is a Fortune 100 company, with 2007 revenues of approximately $26 billion. The company has more than 33,000 employees. For more information on being in-synch, visit www.travelers.com.

(1) Home Fires Involving Heating Equipment, John R. Hall, Jr., National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA, November 2007.

Source: Travelers Companies, Inc.

Contact: Travelers Companies, Inc. Media: Matt Bordonaro, 860-277-7014 or Sheila Trauernicht, 860-277-7461

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