As Election Day nears, Connecticut businesses are being warned to brace for potential “civil unrest.” The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., sent an email last week to its business policyholders, cautioning that some political demonstrations “may result in costly losses to businesses” that are unprepared.
The message emphasized that while most gatherings and protests remain peaceful, the risk of escalation is real. For business owners, this could mean serious financial and operational impacts.
The insurance giant urged businesses to be proactive in safeguarding their properties, outlining several steps to help protect their assets and livelihoods.
“The more time to prepare, the better,” The Hartford advised, adding that “as a best practice, every business should have an emergency plan tailored to its unique needs and risks.”
The company also encouraged business owners to be attentive of local events and news; to protect items inside buildings and reinforcing entry points, including doors, windows, and roof access; and, among other precautions, to pay attention to flammable materials and hazardous items around the premises and to either remove or secure these items to minimize fire risks.
Outside the building, The Hartford’s called businesses to secure and/or remove any items that could be used to cause damage to windows and vehicles, as well as ensure all exterior lighting is operational, which may act as a deterrent at night. Additionally, the company suggested that fire and burglar alarms should be checked for functionality to reinforce security.
To combat potential burglary, The Hartford asked retailers to lock or move valuable items, especially those that are easy to carry and resell, which can prevent unnecessary losses if a crowd becomes unruly. Business owners are also advised to secure sensitive customer and employee information and, where possible, temporarily relocate Personally Identifiable Information (PII) to avoid data breaches or accidental destruction.
The Hartford’s checklist also includes essential preparations for equipment and backup systems. Testing generators, emergency lighting, and other critical equipment now could help avoid costly interruptions later. For businesses that might need to evacuate, creating a detailed plan that includes safe exits, designated roles for employees, and clear post-incident instructions can help keep staff safe and clarify expectations.
In addition to these internal measures, The Hartford also suggested coordinating with vendors, instructing them to delay deliveries if the area turns into a warzone and to establish policies to notify employees when they can return to work.
Echoing The Hartford’s concerns Attorney General William Tong and 50 other state attorneys general issued a statement on Monday (Nov. 4) stating, “Regardless of the outcome of Tuesday’s election, we expect that Americans will respond peacefully and we condemn any acts of violence related to the results.”
The group added, “We call upon every American to vote, participate in civil discourse and above all, respect the integrity of the democratic process, the attorneys general state,” emphasizing that “violence has no place in the democratic process.”
According to the email, businesses with property coverage under The Hartford’s business owner policy are “generally” covered for losses related to property damage and business interruptions stemming from civil unrest.
