Nationwide announces $100,000 donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund for Tennessee flood relief
Nationwide Insurance provides tips for returning to flooded homes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2010
Contact:
Mike Switzer 614-249-4092
switzem1@nationwide.com
Nashville, TN — As Tennessee residents return to their homes following the recent flooding, the Nationwide Insurance Foundation announced today a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to aid victims. The company is also offering tips for residents who will be re-entering water damaged homes.
"Our heart goes out to the entire state of Tennessee as families work to rebuild their lives after this unprecedented disaster," said Brad Liggett, regional vice president for Nationwide’s South Central Region, based in Nashville. "We’re also working hard to support thousands of customers of Nationwide Insurance and Nationwide Financial following these terrible storms.”
The American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund will help meet immediate needs of victims of the recent flooding, providing food, shelter, emotional support, clean up kits and other assistance for Tennessee families and communities as they begin to rebuild their lives. People interested in donating to the Red Cross may donate online at www.redcross.org, call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 mobile donation.
“Floods waters can take days to recede and can wreak devastating damage on homes, and the Red Cross is grateful for support from the Nationwide Insurance Foundation that will help us provide immediate emergency relief and other assistance to help people get back on their feet,” said Neal Litvack, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “These contributions, along with the support of the American public, are critical during floods and similar disasters because they enable the Red Cross to provide help and hope to those in need.”
Nationwide provides auto, home and commercial insurance for more than 160,000 Tennessee policyholders. Nationwide Financial serves more than 190 public sector retirement plans throughout the state.
Tennessee Residents with flooded properties should use caution when
returning to their homes. Nationwide Insurance provides these tips to
protect your property from further damages:
-Be safe! Make sure your electric source
adjacent to the damaged area is disconnected.
-If water is flowing into the home, shut off the
water supply.
-Only use an appliance designed to remove
standing water, such as a wet vac.
-To prevent the growth of bacteria and mildew,
immediately place all moist content materials in a dry location.
-Separate content items, such as upholstery,
fabrics or other colored items to prevent color bleeding. Blot or wipe
wood furniture to remove excess moisture.
-If content items are too heavy to remove, place
aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and carpeting. Open
furniture doors and drawers to expedite drying.
-Place large buckets or pans underneath sagging
ceilings. If possible, punch small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve
trapped water.
-Use fans to circulate air and assist with
drying after removing standing water and establishing it is safe to
reconnect electricity. In the summer months, use an air conditioner and
dehumidifier if available. Keep thermostat set at or below 70
degrees—increasing the thermostat could promote growth of bacteria and
mildew.
- Retain damaged items to allow for proper
evaluation.
- Call the Nationwide claims hotline at
1-800-421-3535 or your local agent immediately.
Most homeowners, condo and renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Water that enters through a home’s foundation may be covered by the specialized flood coverage offered by Nationwide through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. For more information visit http://www.disasterassistance.gov/. Nationwide Insurance customers who did purchase flood insurance can call the Nationwide Insurance claims hotline at 1-800-421-3535 or contact their local agent to file a claim.
Nationwide policyholders with damages related to the recent severe weather can call the Nationwide Insurance claims hotline at 1-800-421-3535 or contact their local agent to file a claim.
About the Nationwide Insurance Foundation
The Nationwide Insurance Foundation is an independent corporation funded
by contributions from Nationwide companies including Nationwide Insurance
and Nationwide Financial. Founded in 1959, the Nationwide Insurance
Foundation has committed more than $250 million since 2000 to help
nonprofit organizations in communities where Nationwide associates and
their families live and work. Just as Nationwide supports its customers
in their moment of need, the company’s involvement in its home
communities is focused on supporting organizations that help people
facing critical or immediate need.
About American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to
victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches
lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports
military members and their families. On those rare occasions when
donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster,
contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other
disasters. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government
agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American
public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org
or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
About Nationwide
Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest
diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S.
and is rated A+ by A.M. Best. The company provides a full range of
personalized insurance and financial services, including car insurance, motorcycle,
boat, homeowners, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance,
administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions,
long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more
information, visit www.nationwide.com.
Nationwide, the Nationwide Framemark and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
