COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co.,
the country's seventh-largest property and casualty insurance company, has
claim representatives and agents actively assisting customers in Florida in
response to the damages caused by Hurricane Wilma.
Policyholders with storm damage should call the Nationwide claims hotline
at 1-800-421-3535 or contact their local agent.
"We're attempting to respond to those policyholders hardest hit first.
Uninhabitable homes are definitely a priority," said Ken Enscoe, Nationwide's
director of catastrophe claims operations. "And, we're not just waiting for
those calls to come in. Our claims associates and agents are traveling through
those communities hardest hit to check in with policyholders, since power and
telephone access is limited. Nationwide is here to help our customers when
they need us most."
Nationwide has activated its National Catastrophe Team, which will bring
more claims representatives to areas with the greatest concentration of
damage.
"Our claims force will work seven days a week and our agents are assisting
with the claims reporting process so we are able to continue to provide
exceptional customer service," said Enscoe.
Nationwide has assigned more associates in call center operations and
extended shifts to address policyholder calls.
If the homeowner has access to the home, they are encouraged to safely
make temporary repairs to prevent further interior damage or loss.
Damage incurred by property owners will be unique to a particular property
and will vary depending on the individual circumstances. Here are some
suggestions that may assist policyholders, who are able to access their
property safely, in protecting their property:
- Be safe! Make sure your electric source adjacent to the damaged area is
disconnected.
- Holes in roofs and broken windows should be covered with plastic or
plywood and the property should be secured to prevent theft or
vandalism.
- 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/dry vacuum.
- 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.
Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified
insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than
$157 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks 99th on the Fortune 100 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 http://www.nationwide.com.
Nationwide and the Nationwide Framework are federally registered service
marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. On Your Side is a service mark
of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
Contacts:
Joe Case at (614) 249-6353
casej@nationwide.com
Elizabeth Stelzer at (614) 249-1025
stelzee@nationwide.com
SOURCE Nationwide
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Related links:
http://www.nationwide.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/607050.html
CONTACT:
Joe Case, +1-614-249-6353, or
casej@nationwide.com, or Elizabeth Stelzer, +1-614-249-1025, or
stelzee@nationwide.com, both of Nationwide
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