HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Wildfires continue to blaze throughout California, destroying hundreds of thousands of acres and threatening communities from Los Angeles to Sacramento. As the fires encroach on populated areas, The Hartford is urging homeowners and businesses to take steps to protect themselves, their families and their employees.

The personal safety of our customers and our fellow citizens is our primary concern - as it has been for nearly 200 years, said David Boyle, vice president of property claims operations at The Hartford. We recommend that all in the fire's path follow safety directives issued by public authorities. Our claims team is ready to help customers file claims immediately and help them begin the recovery process as they return to their home or business. Hartford policyholders should call (800) 243-5860 to report a claim.

Resources and Precautions for Families and Business Owners

The Hartford Advance 50 team and the MIT AgeLab offer new research and life-saving tips to help caregivers, family and friends of those with Alzheimer's disease who live at home prepare for a natural disaster and get their lives back on track in the aftermath of a storm. The free guide is available at www.thehartford.com/calmbeforethestorm.

The Hartford also offers the following resource to help business owners, Protect Your Business Against Wildfires, which was developed by The Hartford's Loss Control department.

The Hartford advises home and business owners to take these precautions:

• Be ready to evacuate when ordered to do so by local officials, or if the fire draws near;
• Follow evacuation routes indicated by local officials, even if they differ from the expected route. Planned escape routes may be blocked;
• Secure important documents, such as personal identification and insurance policies, in a safe, accessible place. Take documents with you, should you evacuate;
• Keep employees informed of the wildfire conditions, the company's response and the actions they should take or be prepared to take.

Time permitting, take these steps to protect property:

• Remove combustible and flammable materials from around the building, including trash receptacles, fuels, furniture, vehicles, etc;
• Seal vents to attics and other spaces;
• Turn off the gas;
• Use hoses or sprinklers to wet roofs, plants, shrubs and trees within 15 feet of buildings;
• Move combustible and flammable furniture toward the center of the building, away from windows and doors.

For more information on reporting a claim, Hartford policyholders should contact their independent insurance agent or visit The Hartford's Catastrophe Information Center.

About The Hartford

Celebrating nearly 200 years, The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG) is an insurance-based financial services company that serves households, businesses and employees by helping to protect their assets and income from risks, and by managing wealth and retirement needs. A Fortune 500 company, The Hartford is recognized widely for its service expertise and as one of the world's most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com.

HIG-PC

Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. These important risks and uncertainties include those discussed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued.



The Hartford

Pamela Rekow, 860-547-8990

Pamela.rekow@thehartford.com

or

Thomas Hambrick, 860-547-9746

thomas.hambrick@thehartford.com

Source: The Hartford