Nationwide Insurance initiates fire response in Santa Barbara County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2008
Nationwide Contacts:
Liz Christopher 614-205-3416
christe1@nationwide.com
Elizabeth Stelzer 614-249-1025
stelzee@nationwide.com
Media Relations Hotline 614-249-6349
Sacramento, California —Nationwide Insurance claim representatives and agents are prepared to assist customers affected by the Tea Fire in Santa Barbara County. Procedures are in place providing quick response to customers needs. Policyholders with storm damage should call the Nationwide Insurance claims hotline at 1-800-421-3535.
Nationwide Insurance is reminding customers that walking around fire
damaged property is very dangerous and to use extreme caution. Some key
safety tips to keep in mind when re-entering any burned area:
• Report any electrical damage to authorities immediately, and use
caution around burned trees and power poles since they may have lost
their stability.
• If a power line falls next to you, hop to safety. Hopping reduces the
risk of electrical shock.
• Walking around fire-damaged properties is very dangerous. With any
fire of this magnitude, holes full of hot ash created by burned trees and
stumps are a threat, so watch your step. If you run across an ash pit,
mark it for safety.
• When cleaning up a property, you may be exposed to hazardous
materials. It is important to wear a mask, gloves and coveralls to
minimize exposure. Also, wet down any debris to reduce breathing dust
particles.
• If you encounter dead animals on your property, contact your county
agriculture commissioner for assistance with disposal.
In the event of a policyholder needing to file an insurance claim,
representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist
them. To help expedite the process, it is helpful to have a policy number
or home address available when the call is placed. Also, make note of any
injuries received and any witnesses or police authority contacted in
relation to property damage.
Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified
insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more
than $161 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks 108th on the Fortune 500
list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial
services, including auto, homeowners, life, health, commercial insurance,
administrative services, annuities, 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 federally
registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
