Nationwide Insurance announces $150,000 donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief for Northeast storm victims
Tips for returning to water-damaged homes starts recovery process
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2011
Contact:
Nancy Smeltzer (614) 249-4491
smeltzn@nationwide.com
Columbus, OH — The Nationwide Insurance Foundation announced today a $150,000 donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief to aid storm victims in the Northeast.
"Our heart goes out to residents in the Northeast as they work to rebuild their lives after this disaster," said Brian O’Dell, regional vice president for Nationwide’s Northeast Region, based in Harrisburg, Pa. "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 support our disaster relief efforts to help those affected by hurricanes like Irene, and other severe weather caused by hurricanes throughout the United States this year. 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.
"This contribution from the Nationwide Insurance Foundation in support of Red Cross Disaster Relief helps us support people in the path of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee with shelter, food, water, emotional support and other assistance in the aftermath of these storms," said Charley Shimanski, Senior Vice President of Disaster Services for the American Red Cross.
Nationwide has more than 1.6 million auto, home and commercial insurance policies in force in the Northeast region that encompasses seven states. Nationwide Financial serves roughly 600 public sector retirement plans throughout the region.
The Road to Recovery
As soon as floodwater levels have dropped, it's time to start the
recovery process. For your consideration, here’s are a few ideas about
what you can do to begin restoring your home.
• If your home has suffered damage, call your insurance agent to file a
claim.
• Check for structural damage before re-entering your home to avoid
being trapped in a building collapse.
• Take photos of any floodwater in your home and save any damaged
personal property.
• Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their purchase date
and value with receipts, and place with the inventory you took prior to
the flood. Some damaged items may require disposal, so keep photographs
of these items.
• Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for
safety.
• Boil water for drinking and food preparation until authorities tell
you that your water supply is safe.
• Prevent mold by removing wet contents immediately.
• Wear gloves and boots to clean and disinfect. Wet items should be
cleaned with a pine-oil cleanser and bleach, completely dried, and
monitored for several days for any fungal growth and odors.
Tips are courtesy of FloodSmart.gov, the official site of the
National Flood Insurance Program.
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.
If you do not have a flood policy, you may consider contacting FEMA. For more information, visit http://www.disasterassistance.gov/.
Nationwide policyholders with any damages potentially 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 $270 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. 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 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.
Nationwide, the Nationwide frame mark, and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
