Nationwide moves into Florence-affected areas to help people rebuild their lives

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Sep 21, 2018, 09:49 ET

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As access to impacted areas are opened, Nationwide's catastrophe response teams are moving in armed with resources, experience and a focus on helping people rebuild and recover from the devastation Florence has left behind.

"Our approach is all-hands-on-deck," said Ken Enscoe, senior director of Nationwide's Catastrophe Response Operations. "We start preparing more than a week before a storm hits, and once we're in response mode, we don't stop until we've processed every claim."

More than 1,000 of the company's workers are focused on the storm. Adjusters are already on the ground in Virginia and the Carolinas to work on claims, and call centers across the country are working extended hours.

Three Catastrophe Response Units (CRU) will be deployed in the area to help in the recovery from Florence. Two are now open at Lowe's Home Improvement, 354 S. College St., Wilmington, N.C., 28412. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

A third will be stationed in New Bern, N.C., and is expected to open early next week.

The CRUs serve a few purposes. They provide a central location for Nationwide members to speak face-to-face with Nationwide claims professionals. They're utilized as a mobile headquarters for Nationwide claims associates who are on the ground helping members, and they serve as a base for providing aid and other humanitarian efforts.

Additionally, the Nationwide Foundation has announced a $1,000,000 contribution to the American Red Cross. In disaster response situations like Florence where multiple states are affected, the Red Cross conducts rapid needs assessments and mobilizes emergency supplies like blankets, food, water and blood to prepare communities before the disaster hits, then helps families recover after with shelter and basic needs.

Members with storm damage should call the Nationwide claims hotline at 1-800-421-3535 or contact their local agent. Members can also visit www.nationwide.com or use the Nationwide app to file a claim.

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 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, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; banking and mortgages; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide, Nationwide is on your side and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

Contact:
Ryan Ankrom
(614) 249-6349
[email protected]

SOURCE Nationwide