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Prepare for Hurricane Season – Don’t Rely On Luck

Give your home and property annual check up before storm season starts

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Don’t depend on luck to protect you from a hurricane. Common sense and a few pre-storm precautions will help lessen your risk and give you peace of mind.

“This is the time to give your home and the property around it an annual check up,” said Ken Enscoe, Nationwide’s director of catastrophe claims operations. “At the same time, check your insurance policy to be sure that your coverage will cover the replacement costs. After the storm hits, it is too late.”

Hurricanes are recognized as one of the most ferocious storms on earth that bring torrential rain, flooding, storm surges and devastating winds that damage homes, destroy treasured keepsakes and disrupt lives. Although no home can withstand a direct hit from a severe hurricane, good construction will help your home survive if it's on the fringe of the catastrophe’s path.

Check to see if you have purchased flood insurance since homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage. That coverage must be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program and must be purchased 30 days before a hurricane strikes to apply to a loss. Your Nationwide agent can help you with that transaction. These additional basic steps can help protect your family and your home from disaster. You can find more at www.Nationwide.com

Limit flying objects
o   Replace landscaping materials such as gravel and rock with mulch
o   Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed, paying particular attention to weak branches that could fall on your home
o   Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.

Think ahead when building or remodeling
o   Install impact-resistant window systems with permanent storm shutters.
o   Make certain your doors have at least three hinges and a dead bolt security lock with a bolt at least 1 inch long.
o   Sliding glass doors are more vulnerable to wind damage. Consider installing impact-resistant door systems made of laminated glass, plastic glazing or a combination of plastic and glass.
o   Consider building a safe room to go to if a hurricane should arrive.
o   When replacing your roof, take steps to ensure that both the new roof covering and the sheathing it attaches to will resist high winds.

Safeguard treasures
o   Inventory valuables and contents in the home with pictures or video
o   Note the value of each item and date of purchase Investments
o   Store important documents in safe deposit box or fire safe box

Review your insurance coverage
o   Check if the policy is up-to-date o Review the deductibles
o   Reappraise your home to make certain your insurance coverage is correct and include any new additions
o   Make certain you have extra coverage for such items as cameras, musical instruments, computers, jewelry, artwork and furs
o   Assess your flood insurance coverage since homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage
o   Get a free On Your Side Review to help evaluate your insurance needs

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 #108 on the Fortune 500 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life, 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.

^{Nationwide, the Nationwide Framemark and On Your Side are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.}