Nationwide Insurance, Allied Insurance begin response for Hurricane Irene
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2011
Contacts:
Elizabeth Stelzert (614) 315-8769
stelzee@nationwide.com
Columbus, OH—Nationwide and Allied Insurance customers are getting assistance from claims representatives and agents in response to damages caused by Hurricane Irene.
Procedures are in place to respond quickly to customer needs. Nationwide Insurance policyholders with storm damage should call the Nationwide claims hotline at 1-800-421-3535 or contact their local agent. Allied customers should call the Allied claims hotline at 1-800-282-1446.
After water damage has occurred, the first 24 to 48 hours are crucial to prevent additional damage, according to Ken Enscoe, Nationwide’s director of catastrophe claims operations.
“Many of the initial claims we have received were caused by strong wind and excessive rain,” Enscoe said. “Claims may also involve water or sewage back-up in basements. If the waste system becomes blocked, overflow can be forced back through toilets and floor drains in the low points of your home.”
Take the proper steps 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 your thermostat set at or below 70 degrees—increasing the
temperature could promote growth of bacteria and mildew.
Retain damaged items to allow for proper evaluation.
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.
