05
September
2017
|
12:39 PM
America/New_York

Nationwide Prepares for Hurricane Irma

Columbus, OH - Nationwide claim representatives and agents are prepared to assist members should Hurricane Irma become a weather-related disaster. Nationwide has people and resources in place to respond to its members’ needs.

Members with storm damage should call the Nationwide claims hotline at 1-800-421-3535 or contact their local agent.

“Everyone in hurricane-prone areas should pay careful attention to the track of this storm and take steps now to protect your property and those who live with you,” said Ken Enscoe, senior director of Nationwide’s Catastrophe Response Operations.

Members should consider the following steps now to help prepare for Irma:

  • While you have time, examine your property to ensure there are no physical and/or liability hazards present.
  • Protect the four critical areas where wind can enter: roof, windows, doors and garage doors. Either you or a building contractor can build and install temporary protection, such as approved wind shutters or plywood on windows and coverings for patio and entry doors, strengthen and stiffen garage doors, and install heavy-duty door hardware. For more information visit, the Insurance Institute for Better Homes & Safety website - https://disastersafety.org/.
  • Turn off power and water.
  • Move anything in your yard that can become flying debris inside your house or garage.
  • Protect mementos in waterproof containers and/or take the items with you if you evacuate. (Other household items can be replaced.)
  • Read and understand your insurance policy.
  • Inventory valuables and contents in the home with pictures or video. Note the approximate value of each item and the date of purchase. You can also send an inventory to a family member outside your region for safekeeping.
  • Make sure important documents, such as an insurance policy or mortgage papers, are stored in a safe deposit or fire safe box.
  • This information is provided by Nationwide.com.
About Nationwide

Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.