FEATURE/Don't Get 'Burned Out' This Holiday Season!; One Out of Three Major Losses Caused by Fire.

Business Editors/Calendar Editors

FEATURE...

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 10, 2002

Fire is the second most frequent cause of large homeowners property claims, according to a recent analysis of claims incidence at Travelers Property Casualty (NYSE: TAP.A and TAP.B). "In our experience, one of every three losses over $10,000 is fire-related," says Peter McMurtrie, Vice President, Claim Services.

Overall, fire is the cause of one out of every 25 homeowners property claims at Travelers, demonstrating that fire results in some of the most extensive losses. "In the winter, and especially at holiday time, people tend to increase their use of candles, fireplaces, wood stoves, and electrical decorations that can lead to fires in the home," adds McMurtrie. "We'd like to remind everyone of a few simple precautions they can take to protect their families and homes from a fire-related loss."

Candles

-- Be aware of the placement of candles, keeping them away from walls, window treatments, papers and other flammable materials. Place candles on heat-resistant surfaces.

-- Check the label on each candle for proper usage. For example, it is often recommended that candles not be burned for more than a few hours at a time, and that candles be extinguished when the wick is within a half inch from the base.

-- Before lighting, trim the wick to approximately one-eighth of an inch.

-- Store matches and lighters in a secure location, out of the reach of children.

-- Do not leave lighted candles unattended; they should be within your sight at all times.

Fireplaces/Wood Stoves

-- Be sure that ashes are completely cool before removing them

from your fireplace. Use a metal pail or can to transport

ashes. Where available, use the clean-out shoot located in the

fireplace to dispose of ashes.

-- Have your chimney professionally cleaned once each year.

-- Before lighting a fire, check that the flue is open to avoid

smoke damage.

-- Keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby.

Holiday Decorations

-- Check all electrical decorations for potential fire hazards

such as frayed wires or loose connections.

-- Do not overload outlets, extension cords or surge protectors.

-- Check location of lights to ensure they are not in contact

with flammable materials.

-- Carefully read decoration instructions regarding maximum

voltage.

-- Use UL-approved electrical decorations and accessories.

-- Regularly water fresh Christmas trees that are placed in the

home.

Travelers policyholders who experience a loss should immediately report their claim to Travelers at 1-800-CLAIM-33 (1-800-252-4633) for assistance. Travelers claim professionals are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

"Protecting Your Home In All Seasons," a brochure featuring year-round home safety tips is available through Travelers independent agents. Additional homeowner educational and safety information is available at travelers.com in the "Home Insurance" section: http://www.travelerspc.com/personal/home/.

About Travelers Property Casualty

Travelers Property Casualty (NYSE: TAP.A and TAP.B) is a leading provider of a wide range of insurance products. Travelers is the third largest commercial lines insurer, providing a broad range of insurance products including workers compensation, integrated disability, property, liability, specialty lines, surety bonds, inland/ocean marine, and boiler and machinery. The company is the second largest writer of homeowners and auto insurance through independent agents. For more information on Travelers products, see www.travelers.com.

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