Storm safety tips vital to being prepared
COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Nationwide Insurance and Allied Insurance claim representatives and
agents are prepared to assist customers affected by the severe storms
that recently swept through the Midwest and continued into the Mid
Atlantic regions. Procedures are in place providing quick response to
customers needs. Policyholders with storm damage should call the
Nationwide and Allied Insurance claims hotline at 800-421-3535.
Summer severe weather can produce tornadoes, thunderstorms, strong winds
and floods. Nationwide and Allied Insurance offer the following safety
tips to be prepared for severe weather:
Thunderstorms – If you can hear thunder, lightning is a danger.
Take shelter if skies look threatening. Stay indoors, away from doors
and windows. Avoid taking a shower or bath, and using the telephone.
Because lightening can travel through electrical lines, turn off or
unplug all electrical appliances.
Tornadoes – Tornadoes are often accompanied by heavy rain,
thunder, lightning or hail. In threatening weather, listen for
authorized watches and warnings. If a tornado warning alarm sounds, take
cover in a basement or first-floor, interior room without windows. Never
stay inside a mobile home or take shelter beneath one; go to the nearest
shelter or take cover in a ditch or depression in the ground away from
the home.
Floods – Floodwaters are extremely powerful. Just two feet of
water can sweep away a car and as little as six inches can cause
unstable footing. Remember that flood conditions change rapidly and
water can be much deeper than it appears. If your home floods, turn off
utilities and keep them off until authorities say it's safe to turn them
on. Don’t pump water out of your basement until floodwater recedes.
Avoid flood-weakened structures and be aware that floodwaters can be
contaminated.
A disaster kit is essential in severe weather or an emergency. Here are
some basic items that should be kept together in a safe, waterproof and
easy-to-access area:
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First aid kit, including your family members' medications
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Canned food and a can opener
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Bottled water
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Clothing
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Battery-powered radio
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Flashlights and extra batteries
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Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water
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.
About Allied
Allied Insurance is a property and casualty insurer established in Des
Moines, Iowa, in 1929. Allied operates in 33 states through a network of
independent agents with regional offices in Denver, CO; Des Moines, IA;
Lincoln, NE; Gainesville, FL; and Sacramento, CA. Allied has been a
member of the Nationwide family of companies since 1998, and is
responsible for Nationwide’s independent agency system. Nationwide,
based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the country’s largest multi-line
insurers and financial services organizations. Information is available
at www.alliedinsurance.com.
About Nationwide
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, 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 both A.M. Best and Standard
& Poor’s. The company provides customers a full range of insurance and
financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat,
homeowners, pet, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, annuities,
mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and specialty
health services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.
Nationwide, the Nationwide frame mark, and On Your Side are service
marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50328728&lang=en
Elizabeth Stelzer, 614-315-8769
stelzee@nationwide.com
or
Media
Relations Hotline, 614-249-6349
Source: Nationwide Insurance
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