COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nationwide Insurance claim representatives and agents are prepared to assist customers should Tropical Storm Arthur become a weather-related disaster. As weather alerts and reports from around the country track the storm patterns, Nationwide has people and resources in place to respond quickly to its customers’ needs.

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

“Claims reported by our customers will be assessed quickly to assure fast and quality service,” said Ken Enscoe, Nationwide’s senior director of catastrophe operations. “It’s important for us to prepare early and be ready to act quickly for our customers.”

Storm centers are planned for areas hardest hit to receive and handle claims from customers. Claims representatives will set out from these locations to assess property damage.

As storm Arthur approaches, Nationwide urges policyholders to review their insurance policies as part of preparation.

“It's crucial for policyholders to know about their insurance coverage before a storm hits,” added Enscoe, Nationwide’s director of catastrophe claims operations. “Advance planning is key to surviving the aftermath of a hurricane.”

Policyholders can take the following steps now to help prepare for a hurricane event:

• Before an event, examine your property to ensure there are no physical and/or liability hazards present.
• Find out if your home meets current building code requirements for high-wind regions. If you are uncertain, call a qualified professional architect, engineer, building contractor, or your local building department.
• 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.
• 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).
• When working outside, replace gravel/rock landscaping material with shredded bark and trim trees in precarious positions.
• Read and understand your insurance policy.
  • Be sure you have adequate homeowner and auto coverage and that the deductibles you have selected are reasonable for your needs.
• 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.
• Speak with your agent in detail about an appropriate deductible level. Generally speaking, the higher the deductible, the lower your insurance premium.
• If you have expensive or specialty items (i.e. jewelry, furs, silverware, cameras, collectibles, etc.) speak with your agent about broader coverage, since these items have limited coverage under the terms of your homeowners policy. Additional premium will be required for this increase in coverage.
• Flood water that enters into a home may be covered by the specialized flood coverage underwritten by FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program and is available for purchase through most Nationwide Insurance agents. Check with your agent about flood insurance policies.

For more these and more tips visit http://www.nationwide.com/hurricanes.jsp.

About NationwideNationwide Mutual Insurance Company, a Fortune 100 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 a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, commercial, homeowners and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; banking and mortgages; specialty health; pet, motorcycle, boat and farm insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

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