Nationwide claim representatives and agents are assisting customers in response to Hurricane Ike.
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. “Several of these claims involve 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.
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 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:
Elizabeth Stelzer, 614-249-1025
stelzee@nationwide.com
