[January 23, 2012]

Nationwide Insurance, Allied Insurance Begin Response for Severe Weather

Nationwide and Allied Insurance customers are getting assistance from claims representatives and agents in response to damages caused by recent tornadoes, heavy rains and hail reported throughout the Southeastern United States.

Procedures are in place to respond quickly to customer needs. Nationwide Insurance policyholders with storm damage should call the Nationwide claims hotline at 1-800-421-3535 or contact their local agent. Allied customers should call the Allied claims hotline at 1-800-282-1446.

After water damage has occurred, the first 24 to 48 hours are crucial to prevent additional damage, according to Ken Enscoe, Nationwide's director of catastrophe claims operations.

"Many of the initial claims we receive are caused by strong wind and excessive rain," Enscoe said. "Claims may also 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."

Take the proper steps 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.
• o 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 release 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 your thermostat set at or below 70 degrees-increasing the temperature could promote growth of bacteria and mildew.
• Retain damaged items to allow for proper evaluation.

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 (News - Alert). 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 a Fortune 500 company and one of the country's largest multi-line insurers and financial services organizations. Information is available at www.alliedinsurance.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.

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