Free Brochures Offered to Help Outsmart Old Man Winter

    WARWICK, R.I.--Dec. 16, 2002--According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the upcoming winter is forecast to be stormy across much of the United States. Before the weather outside turns frightful, it's important to prepare now to safeguard against winter weather woes, both on the road and in your home. To help ride out the winter's storms, MetLife Auto & Home offers a free brochure, "Surviving Severe Cold Weather," which explains how to avoid much of the distress and inconvenience that winter weather can often bring. The brochure is available by calling 1-800-638-5433 (1-800-MET-LIFE).
    "This coming winter looks to be stormier than normal along the southern tier of the United States from California to Florida," says Mike Halpert, head of Forecast Operations of NOAA's Climate Prediction Center. "There's also an increased chance of more Nor'easters than last year. On the other hand, we expect it to be drier in the Ohio Valley and the Northern Rockies, and warmer than normal in much of the North."
    Even if you're not in the southern tier, there is a strong likelihood that winter weather will affect you and your family. "The best defense is preparation," explains Bob Smith, vice president and chief claim officer of MetLife Auto & Home. "Most winter insurance claims that we receive are related to frozen pipes and downspouts, ice dams on roofs, and frozen tree limbs that fall on vehicles and homes. Experience has shown us that some of these claims could have been prevented, which is why it's important to take precautions to ensure the safety of your property and, most importantly, your loved ones."
    MetLife Auto & Home, an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is one of the nation's leading personal lines property and casualty insurance companies with more than 2.7 million policies in force. For more information about MetLife Auto & Home, contact your local MetLife Auto & Home provider or authorized Independent Agent, or visit MetLife's web site at www.metlife.com.

    MetLife Auto & Home is a brand of Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company and its Affiliates, Warwick, RI