Allied Insurance Begins Response for Southern California Fires.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Allied Insurance claim representatives and agents are assisting customers in response to the recent Southern California Fires. Procedures are in place providing quick response to customers needs. Policyholders with damage should call the Allied claims hotline at 800-282-1446.

Allied is reminding customers that walking around fire damaged property is very dangerous and to use extreme caution.

Allied offers the following safety tips to keep in mind when re-entering any burned area:

* Report any electrical damage to authorities immediately, and use caution around burned trees and power poles since they may have lost their stability.

* If a power line falls next to you, hop to safety. Hopping reduces the risk of electrical shock.

* Walking around fire damaged properties is very dangerous. With any fire of this magnitude, holes full of hot ash created by burned trees and stumps are a threat, so watch your step. If you run across an ash pit, mark it for safety.

* When cleaning up a property, you may be exposed to hazardous materials. It's important to wear a mask, gloves and coveralls to minimize exposure. Also, wet down any debris to reduce breathing dust particles.

* If you encounter dead animals on your property, contact your county agriculture commissioner for assistance with disposal.

* In the event you need to file an insurance claim as an Allied policyholder, call 800-282-1446. Allied representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist you.

* To help expedite the process, have your Allied policy number or home address available.

* Also, make note of any injuries received and any witnesses or police authority contacted in relation to your property damage.

Allied Insurance is a property-casualty insurer established in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1929. Allied operates in 34 states through a network of independent agents with regional offices based in Denver, CO; Des Moines, IA; Lincoln, NE; 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. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Nationwide ranks No. 104 on the Fortune 500 list and is one of the country's largest multi-insurers and financial services organizations.

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.