Nationwide Insurance, Allied Insurance prepare for Hurricane Irene
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2011
Contact:
Elizabeth Stelzer (614) 315-8769
stelzee@nationwide.com
Columbus, OH – Nationwide and Allied Insurance have claim representatives and agents prepared to assist customers should Hurricane Irene become a weather-related disaster. As weather alerts and reports from around the country track the storm patterns, Nationwide and Allied Insurance have people and resources in place to respond quickly to its customers’ needs.
Nationwide Insurance policyholders with storm damage should call the Nationwide claims hotline at1-800-421-3535 or contact their local agent. Allied customers should call the Allied claims hotline at1-800-282-1446.
“Claims reported by our customers will be assessed quickly to assure fast and quality service,” said Ken Enscoe, Nationwide’s director of catastrophe claims operations. “It’s important for us to prepare early and be ready to act quickly for our customers.”
Storm centers are planned for areas hardest hit to receive and handle claims from customers. Claims representatives will set out from these locations to assess property damage.
When a hurricane strikes, safety depends on staying calm and reacting
quickly. Here are some actions to take:
• Move anything in your yard that may become flying debris, such as
patio furniture or a grill, inside your house or garage.
• Obey evacuation orders from local authorities.
• Shut off propane tanks.
• Avoid using the phone.
• Fill a bathtub and other large containers with water to use for
cleaning or flushing toilets.
• Close all interior doors, and brace and secure outside doors.
• If you're unable to evacuate or go to safe room, stay indoors and away
from windows and glass doors. Take refuge in a small interior room,
closet or hallway on the lowest level.
• When the hurricane has passed, look for flooding, which can produce
dangerous conditions hours, or even days, later.
• Turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its
doors closed.
• Turn off power and water.
• Protect mementos in waterproof containers and/or take with you if you
evacuate. (Other household items can be replaced.)
• Make sure important documents, such as an insurance policy or mortgage
papers, are stored in a safe deposit or fire safe box.
For more information about hurricane planning, visit www.nationwide.com Also you can get free weather alerts on your mobile phone via text messaging courtesy of The Weather Channel. Text SUB SVR plus your zip code (example: SUB SVR 12345) to 42278. You will receive a confirmation message within moments. Your mobile service’s rates apply.
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 auto insurance,
motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance,
administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions and
long-term savings plans. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.
About Allied
Allied Insurance is a property and casualty insurer established in Des
Moines, Iowa, in 1929. Allied operates in 33 states through a network of
independent agents with regional offices in Denver, CO; Des Moines, IA;
Lincoln, NE; Gainesville, FL and Sacramento, CA. Allied has been a member
of the Nationwide family of companies since 1998, and is responsible for
Nationwide’s independent agency system. Nationwide, based in Columbus,
Ohio, is a Fortune 500 company and one of the country’s largest
multi-line insurers and financial services organizations. Information is
available at www.alliedinsurance.com.
Nationwide, the Nationwide frame mark, and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
