Nationwide Insurance Demonstrating “Live Bedroom Burn” on Friday to Visualize Danger of Space Heater Fires

IN CASE OF DEVASTATION, NATIONWIDE BRAND NEW BELONGINGS MAKES SURE MEMBERS CAN FOCUS ON SAFETY

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nationwide:

WHAT:	Nationwide Insurance will demonstrate a “live bedroom burn” at the Nationwide Brand New Belongings Burn House on Friday to show what happens if you don’t take the necessary safety precautions when using space heaters. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), alternative heating sources are one of the leading causes of home fires during the winter months. In fact, half of all home heating fires occur in December, January and February.
	The space heater fire demonstration will show the speed at which fires can start and spread. According to research by NFPA, one-third of American households estimate they would have at least six minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threatening. In reality, families have as little as three minutes to escape safely after the alarm sounds.
WHY:	According to the NFPA, home space heater fires are involved in 19,300 home fires annually. In fact, space heaters accounted for one-third (32 percent) of home heating fires and four out of five (80 percent) home heating fire deaths. These types of fires are not only common, but can be extremely costly. Over the past five years (2008 – 2012), Nationwide paid more than $48 million in claims related to space heaters, with the average claim topping more than $40,000.
	The leading factor in home heating fire deaths was heating equipment too close to household items that can quickly burn such as drapes, furniture or bedding.
WHO:	Pete Lore, Nationwide’s associate vice president of claims, will be onsite offering insight into space heater fires, the high cost of these claims and how Nationwide helps members after a disaster like this.
	Matt Noble, Orange Township assistant fire chief, is also available for interviews surrounding fire safety and tips to prevent space heater fires.
WHEN:	Friday, February 15, 2013
	-- 10:00a.m.	Spokespeople available for before-burn interviews
	-- 10:15a.m.	Walk-throughs before burn with fire department
	-- 10:30a.m.	Firemen initiate “alternative heating fire”
	-- 10:45 – 11:05a.m.	Best viewing of “live burn”
	-- 11:15 a.m.	Opportunity to capture post-burn footage and interviews
	(Note: all times approximate)
WHERE:	NorthPointe Claims Training Facility
	100 Green Meadows Drive South, Lewis Center, OH, 43035

VISUALS:

• Bedroom / Inside House:
  • Pre-Burn: Panoramic of bedroom; close-up of bedroom furniture; close-up of space heater in relation to bedroom furniture
  • During Burn: Small camera on fireman’s helmet; footage of fire as it begins to burn; additional shots as available based on safety; hallway to capture smoke; footage of fireman putting out fire
  • Post-Burn: Panoramic of bedroom, close-up of bedroom furniture, bedding, curtains and space heater (focus on effects of fire, smoke damage); hallway
• Outdoors:
  • Pre-Burn: In front of house; bedroom window to capture smoke
  • During Burn: Bedroom window to capture smoke
  • Post-Burn: Bedroom window to capture smoke

About Nationwide

Nationwide Mutual Insurance 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 customers a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, pet, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and specialty health services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

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