Nationwide continues response for Tropical Storm Hermine

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2010

Contacts:
Mike Switzer (614) 249-4092
switzem1@nationwide.com

Dallas, TX —Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. claim representatives and agents are assisting customers throughout Texas in response to recent Tropical Storm Hermine and a tornado that touched down in the Dallas area.

Procedures are in place providing quick response to customers needs. Policyholders with storm damage should call the Nationwide claims hotline at 1-800-421-3535 or contact their local agent.

After water damage has occurred, the first 24 to 48 hours are crucial in preventing additional damage, according to Ken Enscoe, Nationwide’s director of catastrophe claims operations.

“Several of the claims we have received were caused by strong wind and excessive rain,” Enscoe said. “Commonly, following storms like this, we find 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.”

Steps to take 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 customers who did purchase flood insurance can call the Nationwide claims hotline at 1-800-421-3535, the Allied claims hotline at 1-800-282-1446, or they can contact their local agent to file a claim.

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.

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