As Election Day approaches, businesses in Connecticut are being warned to brace for possible “civil unrest.” The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. sent an email to its business policyholders last week, warning that some political demonstrations “could result in costly losses for businesses” that are unprepared.

The message emphasized that while most gatherings and protests remain peaceful, the risk of escalation is real. This can have serious financial and operational consequences for entrepreneurs.

The insurance giant urged businesses to be proactive in protecting their assets, 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 company should have a contingency plan tailored to its unique needs and risks.”

The company also encouraged business owners to be alert to local events and news; to protect items in buildings and strengthen access points, including doors, windows and roof access; and, among other precautions, to pay attention to flammable materials and hazardous objects around the premises and to remove or secure these objects to minimize fire risks.

Outside the building, The Hartford’s has called businesses to secure and/or remove any items that could be used to cause damage to windows and vehicles, and to ensure all exterior lighting is operational, which acts as a deterrent at night can work. In addition, the company suggested checking fire and burglar alarms for functionality to strengthen security.

To thwart potential burglaries, The Hartford has asked retailers to lock or move valuables, 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 move personally identifiable information (PII) to prevent data breaches or accidental destruction.

Hartford’s checklist also includes essential preparations for equipment and backup systems. Testing generators, emergency lighting and other critical equipment now can prevent costly outages later. For businesses that may need to evacuate, creating a detailed plan with safe exits, assigned roles for employees and clear instructions after an incident can help keep staff safe and clarify expectations.

In addition to these internal measures, The Hartford also proposed coordinating with suppliers, directing them to delay deliveries if the area turns into a war zone and creating policies to notify employees when they return to work be able to.

Following Hartford’s concerns, Attorney General William Tong and 50 other attorneys general issued an order statement on Monday (Nov. 4) which states: “Regardless of the outcome of Tuesday’s election, we expect Americans to respond peacefully and we condemn any acts of violence related to the outcome.”

The group added: “We call on every American to vote, engage in civil debate and, above all, respect the integrity of the democratic process,” the attorneys general said.” emphasizing that “violence has no place in the democratic process.”

According to the email, businesses with property coverage under The Hartford’s business owners policy are “generally” covered for losses related to property damage and business interruption due to civil unrest.